Explanations:The question pertains to the historical ruler Sikandar, who is known to have ruled Kashmir in the late 14th century. To understand this context, it is essential to delve into the historical background of the region and the timeline of its rulers.
Sikandar, also referred to as Sikandar Butshikan, was a ruler of Kashmir from 1389 to 1413 A.D. His reign is marked by significant religious and cultural changes in the region. Sikandar Butshikan, which translates to "Sikandar the Iconoclast," is known for his policies that aimed to suppress non-Islamic religious practices and promote Islam. He is also noted for his architectural contributions, including the construction of mosques and other Islamic structures.
It is crucial to distinguish Sikandar Butshikan from other rulers of the same name from different regions. For instance, Sikandar Lodi was a ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, and there were other rulers named Sikandar in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. However, the context of the question specifically refers to the ruler of Kashmir in the late 14th century.
The other options provided in the question—Cochin, Bangalore, and Mysore—were not under the rule of Sikandar Butshikan. Cochin, located in present-day Kerala, was under the control of various local rulers and later came under the influence of European powers such as the Portuguese and Dutch. Bangalore, now known as Bengaluru, was part of the Vijayanagara Empire during the 14th century and was not ruled by Sikandar. Similarly, Mysore, located in present-day Karnataka, was also part of the Vijayanagara Empire and later came under the rule of the Wodeyar dynasty.
Understanding the historical context and the specific timeline of rulers in different regions is essential for correctly identifying the region ruled by Sikandar in 1394 A.D. This knowledge is particularly relevant for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and State PSC, where questions on historical rulers and their regions are common.