Explanations: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 document this period is crucial for historical analysis. The sources can be broadly categorized into primary and secondary sources.
Primary sources are firsthand accounts or documents created during the time under study. They provide direct evidence about the period and are invaluable for historians. Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta are two such primary sources. Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant and traveler, visited India during the reign of Alauddin Khalji in the early 14th century. His travelogue, "The Travels of Marco Polo," provides valuable insights into the political, social, and economic conditions of the Delhi Sultanate. Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan scholar and traveler, visited India in the mid-14th century during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His travelogue, "Rihla," offers detailed accounts of the Delhi Sultanate, including the administration, society, and culture.
Secondary sources, on the other hand, are interpretations and analyses of primary sources, often written by historians and scholars. Shams-I-Siraj Afif is a notable secondary source for the Delhi Sultanate. He wrote "Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi," a historical account of the Tughlaq dynasty, which provides valuable information about the period. However, as a secondary source, his work is based on earlier records and may include interpretations and biases.
It is important to distinguish between primary and secondary sources when studying historical periods. Primary sources offer direct evidence and firsthand accounts, while secondary sources provide analysis and interpretation. Both types of sources are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the Delhi Sultanate.
In the context of the question, Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta are primary sources, and their accounts are crucial for understanding the Delhi Sultanate. Shams-I-Siraj Afif, while an important secondary source, does not provide firsthand accounts. Therefore, the correct answer is that only Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta are sources of the Delhi Sultanate.