Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate, a period of Muslim rule in India from the 13th to the 16th century, saw the use of Persian as the administrative language. This was a significant shift from the earlier use of Sanskrit and Prakrit languages in the courts of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms. Persian was adopted by the Delhi Sultans for several reasons, including its status as a lingua franca in the Islamic world, its use in the Persianate culture that influenced the Delhi Sultanate, and its role in facilitating communication with other Islamic states and empires.
The first statement, which claims that Sanskrit was the official language of the court in the Delhi Sultanate, is incorrect. While Sanskrit was a revered language in India, it was not the administrative language during the Delhi Sultanate period. The Delhi Sultans, being of Turkic and Afghan origin, preferred to use Persian for their official and administrative purposes. Persian was used for court documents, administrative records, and official correspondence, making it the lingua franca of the Delhi Sultanate.
The second statement, which asserts that Persian was the administrative language under the Delhi Sultans, is correct. Persian was indeed the language used for all official and administrative purposes. This was a continuation of the practice established by the Ghurids and other earlier Muslim rulers in India. The use of Persian helped to maintain a distinct identity for the Muslim rulers and facilitated the integration of the Delhi Sultanate into the broader Islamic world.
The third statement, which states that Firoz Shah Tughlaq changed his capital from Delhi to Devagiri in the Deccan and renamed it Daulatabad, is also correct. Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who ruled from 1351 to 1388, made several significant changes during his reign. One of these changes was the relocation of the capital from Delhi to Devagiri, which he renamed Daulatabad. This move was part of his broader strategy to consolidate his power and extend his influence over the Deccan region. However, the capital was later moved back to Delhi due to logistical and administrative challenges.
In summary, the correct answer is (D) Only 2, 3. The use of Persian as the administrative language and the relocation of the capital by Firoz Shah Tughlaq are both accurate historical facts, while the claim about Sanskrit being the official language of the court is incorrect. Understanding these historical details is crucial for comprehending the administrative and cultural dynamics of the Delhi Sultanate period.