Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate, a period of Muslim rule in India from the 13th to the 16th century, is a significant era in Indian history. Understanding the sources that provide information about this period is crucial for historical analysis. The sources can be broadly categorized into primary and secondary sources.
Primary sources are direct, firsthand accounts of the period. These include the writings of foreign travelers who visited India during the Delhi Sultanate. Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant, visited India during the reign of Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316) and provided detailed accounts of the political and social conditions. His observations are valuable for understanding the economic and cultural exchanges between India and the rest of the world during this period.
Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan traveler, visited India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq (1325-1351). His travelogue, "Rihla," offers insights into the political and social conditions of the Delhi Sultanate. Ibn Battuta's account is particularly useful for understanding the administrative and military aspects of the period.
Secondary sources, on the other hand, are works written by later historians based on primary sources and other secondary sources. Shams-I-Siraj Afif, a historian of the 15th century, wrote the "Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi," a detailed account of the reign of Firuz Shah Tughluq (1351-1388). This work is an important secondary source for understanding the administrative and social policies of the Delhi Sultanate.
While both primary and secondary sources are valuable, the question specifically asks for sources of the Delhi Sultanate. In historical contexts, primary sources are generally considered more direct and immediate sources of information. Therefore, the correct answer includes Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta as primary sources, while excluding Shams-I-Siraj Afif, who is a secondary source.
It is important to note that while secondary sources like Shams-I-Siraj Afif's work are valuable for historical analysis, they are not direct sources of the period. Understanding the distinction between primary and secondary sources is crucial for accurate historical research and analysis.
In conclusion, the correct answer is (D) Only (A) & (B), as Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta are primary sources that provide direct accounts of the Delhi Sultanate, while Shams-I-Siraj Afif is a secondary source.