Part of: Delhi Gk set 31

Who was the chronicler during Raziya Sultan's regime?

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Consider the historian known for his work on the Delhi Sultanate.

Correct Answer: C) Minhaj-i Siraj.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Minhaj-i Siraj, a prominent historian and chronicler of the Delhi Sultanate period, is best known for his work "Tabaqat-i Nasiri." This historical text provides detailed accounts of the Delhi Sultanate, including the reign of Raziya Sultan. Minhaj-i Siraj's work is a valuable source for understanding the political, social, and cultural history of the Delhi Sultanate.

Minhaj-i Siraj was born in 1193 in the town of Jazni in the Punjab region. He was a Sunni Muslim and a scholar who spent much of his life in the service of the Delhi Sultanate. His work, "Tabaqat-i Nasiri," is a comprehensive history that covers the period from the early Islamic conquests to the time of the Delhi Sultanate. The work is divided into ten sections, each focusing on a different period or dynasty.

One of the significant sections of "Tabaqat-i Nasiri" deals with the reign of Raziya Sultan, who ruled from 1236 to 1240. Raziya Sultan was the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, and her reign was marked by significant political and social changes. Minhaj-i Siraj's account of her reign provides valuable insights into the political dynamics of the time, including her rise to power, her policies, and the challenges she faced.

It is important to note that while Ibn Batuta was a famous traveler and chronicler, his accounts do not cover the period of Raziya Sultan's reign. Ibn Batuta visited India much later, during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq, and his work, "Rihla," provides detailed accounts of his travels and the places he visited. However, it does not include information about Raziya Sultan.

Similarly, Barid-al Fateh is not known for chronicling the events of Raziya Sultan's reign. Therefore, the correct answer is that Minhaj-i Siraj was the chronicler during Raziya Sultan's regime, as documented in his historical work "Tabaqat-i Nasiri."

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Barid-al Fateh was not a chronicler during Raziya Sultan's regime. This option is incorrect as he is not known for chronicling the events of her reign.
  • Option B: Ibn Batuta was a traveler and not a chronicler of Raziya Sultan's regime. He visited India much later and his accounts do not cover her reign. This option is incorrect.
  • Option C: Minhaj-i Siraj was indeed the chronicler during Raziya Sultan's regime. He wrote extensively about the Delhi Sultanate, including the reign of Raziya Sultan, in his work "Tabaqat-i Nasiri." This option is correct.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because Minhaj-i Siraj was the chronicler during Raziya Sultan's regime, as documented in his historical work.

Mnemonic: M for Minhaj-i Siraj, M for Medieval chronicler

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