Part of: Delhi Gk set 15

Then why Sultan came back to Delhi?

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the administrative challenges and external threats faced by the Sultan.

Correct Answer: A) It was difficult to control Delhi & North India from South and Mongols also attacked Delhi.

Exam Relevance: CBSE History, UPSC History, State Board History

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Sultanate of Delhi, under Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq, faced significant challenges in the 14th century. One of the major decisions made by the Sultan was the relocation of the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in 1327. This move was intended to consolidate his control over the southern regions of his empire, which were previously difficult to govern from Delhi. Daulatabad, located in the Deccan region, was chosen as the new capital to better manage the southern territories and to establish a more central administrative base.

However, this decision proved to be problematic. The Sultan faced significant difficulties in maintaining control over both the northern and southern parts of his empire from Daulatabad. The distance between Delhi and Daulatabad made it challenging to manage the northern regions effectively. Communication and administrative control were severely hampered, leading to a decline in the Sultan's ability to govern the entire empire efficiently.

Furthermore, the Sultan faced external threats, particularly from the Mongols. The Mongol invasions in the north posed a significant threat to the stability of the Sultanate. The Sultan needed to be closer to the northern regions to defend against these invasions and to maintain order. The Mongol attacks were a critical factor that necessitated the Sultan's return to Delhi.

Therefore, the combination of administrative challenges and external threats, particularly the Mongol invasions, were the primary reasons for Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq's decision to return to Delhi. The move back to Delhi allowed the Sultan to better manage the northern regions and to defend against the Mongol attacks, which were crucial for the stability and survival of his empire.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The Sultan found it difficult to control both Delhi and North India from Daulatabad, and the Mongol attacks in the north necessitated his return to Delhi to defend his empire.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. There is no historical evidence to suggest that the Sultan's health was a reason for his return to Delhi. The primary reasons were administrative challenges and Mongol invasions.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. While it includes the correct option A, it also includes the incorrect option B, which is not a valid reason for the Sultan's return to Delhi.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. It incorrectly states that neither of the given reasons is correct, when in fact, the difficulty in controlling the empire and Mongol attacks are valid reasons for the Sultan's return to Delhi.

Mnemonic: DAM: Difficult Administration, Mongol attacks

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