Explanation: In medieval Indian history, the role of court historians was significant. They documented the reigns of various rulers, providing valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural aspects of their times. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, who ruled from 1325 to 1351, was a controversial figure known for his ambitious policies and administrative reforms.
Among the notable figures associated with his court, several historians and scholars served, but none is definitively known to have spent exactly 7 years in his court. Let's examine the historical context and the roles of the individuals mentioned in the options:
1. **Amir Khusrau**: A celebrated poet and historian, Amir Khusrau served in the courts of several Delhi Sultans, including Alauddin Khalji and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. He was known for his literary works and contributions to the cultural life of the Delhi Sultanate. However, there is no historical record indicating that he spent 7 years specifically in the court of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. His primary association was with earlier rulers.
2. **Malik Kafur**: Malik Kafur was a general and slave of Alauddin Khalji, known for his military campaigns in South India. He was not a historian and did not serve in the court of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. His role was primarily military, and he died during the reign of Alauddin Khalji.
3. **Ibn Battuta**: Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan traveler and scholar who visited the court of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. He stayed in India for about 8 years, but he was not a court historian. His primary purpose was to travel and document his experiences, which he later compiled into his famous work, the "Rihla."
Given the historical records and the roles of these individuals, none of them fits the specific criteria of spending 7 years as a historian in the court of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. Therefore, the correct answer is "None."
This question highlights the importance of accurate historical knowledge and the need to distinguish between the roles and periods of different historical figures. It also underscores the complexity of medieval Indian history, where the roles of poets, historians, and military leaders often overlapped, but their specific contributions and periods of service need to be carefully examined.