With reference to the Mongol invasions, consider the following statements: 1. Genghis Khan invaded Transoxiana in 1219. 2. The Delhi Sultanate remained completely unaffected by the Mongol invasions. 3. The Mongol attacks forced the Delhi Sultans to mobilize a large standing army. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation The Mongol invasions were a persistent external threat to the Delhi Sultanate, particularly during the 13th and 14th centuries. These invasions significantly influenced the foreign policy, military organization, and economic administration of the Sultanate rulers, especially under the Khalji and Tughlaq dynasties. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Genghis Khan invaded Transoxiana in north-east Iran in 1219. Soon after, the Mongols attacked the Delhi Sultanate’s frontiers during the reign of Iltutmish (1210–1236), reaching the banks of the Indus in pursuit of the Khwarazm prince, Jalaluddin Mangbarani. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Delhi Sultanate was not unaffected by the Mongol invasions. On the contrary, the threat increased significantly over time. During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, Delhi was attacked twice (in 1299/1300 and 1302–1303). The Mongols ravaged the frontier territories and even besieged the city, forcing the Sultans to take defensive measures. - Statement 3 is Correct: To counter the persistent Mongol threat, the Delhi Sultans were compelled to mobilize and maintain a large standing army. For instance, Alauddin Khalji raised a massive standing army, constructed the garrison town of Siri, and implemented market control reforms to ensure soldiers could live on fixed salaries. Muhammad Tughlaq also raised a large army to deal with the Mongol sphere of influence. Key Takeaway: The Mongol threat was a primary driver for the militarization of the Delhi Sultanate, leading to the establishment of a large central standing army and significant administrative reforms under rulers like Alauddin Khalji.

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 3: Delhi: 12th to 15th Century

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With reference to the Mongol invasions, consider the following statements:

Genghis Khan invaded Transoxiana in 1219.
The Delhi Sultanate remained completely unaffected by the Mongol invasions.
The Mongol attacks forced the Delhi Sultans to mobilize a large standing army.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Mongol invasions were a persistent external threat to the Delhi Sultanate, particularly during the 13th and 14th centuries. These invasions significantly influenced the foreign policy, military organization, and economic administration of the Sultanate rulers, especially under the Khalji and Tughlaq dynasties.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Genghis Khan invaded Transoxiana in north-east Iran in 1219. Soon after, the Mongols attacked the Delhi Sultanate’s frontiers during the reign of Iltutmish (1210–1236), reaching the banks of the Indus in pursuit of the Khwarazm prince, Jalaluddin Mangbarani.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Delhi Sultanate was not unaffected by the Mongol invasions. On the contrary, the threat increased significantly over time. During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, Delhi was attacked twice (in 1299/1300 and 1302–1303). The Mongols ravaged the frontier territories and even besieged the city, forcing the Sultans to take defensive measures.
Statement 3 is Correct: To counter the persistent Mongol threat, the Delhi Sultans were compelled to mobilize and maintain a large standing army. For instance, Alauddin Khalji raised a massive standing army, constructed the garrison town of Siri, and implemented market control reforms to ensure soldiers could live on fixed salaries. Muhammad Tughlaq also raised a large army to deal with the Mongol sphere of influence.

Key Takeaway: The Mongol threat was a primary driver for the militarization of the Delhi Sultanate, leading to the establishment of a large central standing army and significant administrative reforms under rulers like Alauddin Khalji.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Delhi: 12th to 15th Century

With reference to the history of Delhi as an urban centre, consider the following statements: 1. Delhi first became the capital of a kingdom under the Tomara Rajputs. 2. It became an important commercial centre only after the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in the thirteenth century. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the "Circle of Justice" described by Fakhr-i Mudabbir, consider the following statements: 1. It emphasized that the king's survival was independent of the peasantry's prosperity. 2. It implied that soldiers' salaries come from the revenue collected from peasants. 3. It suggested that justice and honest governance were essential for revenue collection. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the institution of bandagan under the early Delhi Sultans: 1. They were special slaves purchased specifically for military service. 2. Sultan Iltutmish removed them from all important political offices. 3. Unlike sons, they were considered less reliable because they lacked royal blood. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate, consider the following statements regarding iqtas and muqtis: 1. The iqta was a territorial assignment given to military commanders. 2. The office of the muqti was made hereditary to ensure stability in the provinces. 3. The muqtis were solely responsible for revenue collection and had no military or administrative duties. 4. Accountants were appointed by the state to check the revenue collected by the muqtis. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following statements regarding the taxation system under the Delhi Sultanate: 1. Kharaj was a tax on cultivation amounting to about 50 per cent of the peasant’s produce. 2. Zakat was a tax levied exclusively on non-Muslim subjects. 3. Taxes were also levied on cattle and houses. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Genghis Khan invaded Transoxiana in north-east Iran in 1219. Soon after, the Mongols attacked the Delhi Sultanate’s frontiers during the reign of Iltutmish (1210–1236), reaching the banks of the Indus in pursuit of the Khwarazm prince, Jalaluddin Mangbarani.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Delhi Sultanate was not unaffected by the Mongol invasions. On the contrary, the threat increased significantly over time. During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, Delhi was attacked twice (in 1299/1300 and 1302–1303). The Mongols ravaged the frontier territories and even besieged the city, forcing the Sultans to take defensive measures.
Statement 3 is Correct: To counter the persistent Mongol threat, the Delhi Sultans were compelled to mobilize and maintain a large standing army. For instance, Alauddin Khalji raised a massive standing army, constructed the garrison town of Siri, and implemented market control reforms to ensure soldiers could live on fixed salaries. Muhammad Tughlaq also raised a large army to deal with the Mongol sphere of influence.