Consider the following statements regarding expansion and consolidation of empire under Delhi rulers: i. Expansion of Delhi Sultanates started under the leadership of Ghiyasuddin Balban. ii. Alauddin Khalji consolidated the vast empire of Delhi Sultanate. Choose the correct option from the codes given below:

The Delhi Sultanate was a significant political entity in medieval India, spanning from the early 13th century to the early 16th century. It was a period marked by the rise and fall of several dynasties, each contributing to the expansion and consolidation of the empire in different ways.

Ghiyasuddin Balban, who ruled from 1266 to 1287, was a prominent figure in the Delhi Sultanate. He is often credited with consolidating the empire and establishing a strong centralized administration. Balban's reign was characterized by his efforts to strengthen the Sultanate's control over its territories and to suppress rebellions. He also focused on maintaining a strong military presence to deter external threats and internal dissent. However, it is important to note that the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate did not begin under Balban. The Delhi Sultanate was established by Qutbuddin Aibak, who founded the Mamluk dynasty in 1206. Balban's contributions were more in the realm of consolidation and administrative reforms rather than territorial expansion.

Alauddin Khalji, who ruled from 1296 to 1316, was another significant ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He is known for both expanding the empire and consolidating its power. Alauddin Khalji undertook several military campaigns that significantly expanded the territory of the Delhi Sultanate. He conquered Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittor, and Malwa, among other regions. These conquests not only increased the size of the empire but also brought substantial wealth and resources under the Sultanate's control. In addition to his military campaigns, Alauddin Khalji also implemented various administrative and economic reforms to consolidate his power. He established a strong centralized administration, reorganized the army, and introduced a system of price control to stabilize the economy.

Given these historical facts, it is clear that the statements provided in the question are not entirely accurate. Ghiyasuddin Balban was more focused on consolidation rather than expansion, and Alauddin Khalji both expanded and consolidated the empire. Therefore, the correct answer is "D) None of the above."