Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 387

Who was the Delhi Sultan at the time of establishment of Vijayanagara empire?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline of the Delhi Sultanate and the Vijayanagara Empire.

Correct Answer: D) Muhammad Bin Tughluq.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Vijayanagara Empire was a significant Hindu kingdom that emerged in South India in the 14th century. It was founded in 1336 CE by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, who were originally officers of the Kakatiya dynasty. The establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire was a response to the political instability and the threat of Muslim invasions from the north, particularly from the Delhi Sultanate.

The Delhi Sultanate was a Muslim kingdom that ruled much of North India from the early 13th century to the mid-16th century. It was established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206 CE and was ruled by several dynasties, including the Khilji, Tughluq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties. The Tughluq dynasty, which ruled from 1320 to 1414 CE, was particularly significant during the period of the Vijayanagara Empire's establishment.

Among the Tughluq rulers, Muhammad Bin Tughluq was the Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate from 1325 to 1351 CE. He succeeded his father, Ghiyas-Ud-Din Tughluq, and was known for his ambitious administrative reforms and military campaigns. The year 1336 CE, when the Vijayanagara Empire was established, falls within Muhammad Bin Tughluq's reign. Therefore, he was the Sultan at the time of the Vijayanagara Empire's establishment.

It is important to understand the historical context of the Vijayanagara Empire's founding. The empire was established as a bulwark against the Muslim invasions from the north, particularly from the Delhi Sultanate. The rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire sought to preserve the Hindu traditions and culture in the face of the expanding Muslim rule. The empire flourished for over two centuries, becoming a major power in South India and playing a significant role in the region's history and culture.

The Delhi Sultanate, on the other hand, was a complex and dynamic political entity that underwent significant changes during its existence. The Tughluq dynasty, in particular, was marked by both achievements and challenges. Muhammad Bin Tughluq's reign was characterized by his efforts to centralize the administration and expand the empire's territory, but it was also marked by internal strife and external threats. The establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 CE was a significant event that occurred during this period of the Delhi Sultanate's history.

In summary, the Vijayanagara Empire was established in 1336 CE, and Muhammad Bin Tughluq was the Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate at that time. Understanding the historical context and the timeline of the Delhi Sultanate rulers is crucial for comprehending the political and cultural dynamics of this period in Indian history.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Feroz Shah Tughluq was not the Sultan at the time of the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire. He ruled later, from 1351 to 1388 CE. The Vijayanagara Empire was established in 1336 CE.
  • Option B: Ghiyas-Ud-Din Tughluq ruled from 1320 to 1325 CE, which is before the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 CE. Therefore, he was not the Sultan at the time of the Vijayanagara Empire's establishment.
  • Option C: Alla-Ud-Din Khilji ruled from 1296 to 1316 CE, which is also before the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 CE. He was not the Sultan at the time of the Vijayanagara Empire's establishment.
  • Option D: Muhammad Bin Tughluq was the Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate from 1325 to 1351 CE, which includes the year 1336 CE, when the Vijayanagara Empire was established. Therefore, he was the Sultan at the time of the Vijayanagara Empire's establishment.

Mnemonic: MBT for Muhammad Bin Tughluq

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