Khilji Dynasty MCQs with Answers for Competitive Exams: The Khilji dynasty changed the Delhi Sultanate in many ways. In fact, the Sultanate grew from a northern kingdom into a powerful empire under this dynasty. As a result, it became a key topic in many exams. Therefore, examiners often ask questions on this topic in RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC exams. In this article, you will find 20 original Khilji dynasty MCQs with answers. Moreover, each question comes with extra information that adds useful facts. First, you will study the early rulers of the dynasty. Next, you will practice questions on Alauddin Khilji’s conquests. In addition, you will solve questions on his market reforms.
Finally, you will test your knowledge of his architecture. Finally, you will learn how the dynasty ended. Students can use these questions for daily practice or quick revision. Also, they can read the extra information to build a strong medieval Indian history foundation. So, start with the first question and test your memory.
Early Rulers and Rise of the Khilji Dynasty
Q1
Who founded the Khilji dynasty in Delhi?
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Answer: B) Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji
Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji took the throne of Delhi in 1290. As a result, the Mamluk rule ended. At first, he ruled from Kilokhri because the nobles in Delhi opposed him. Moreover, he followed a mild policy toward his enemies. Therefore, many nobles saw him as a weak ruler.
Q2
In which year did the Khilji rule begin in Delhi?
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Answer: D) 1290
The Khilji dynasty ruled Delhi from 1290 to 1320. Thus, the dynasty lasted only thirty years. However, this short period changed the Delhi Sultanate a lot. For example, the rulers expanded the empire to the far south. Also, the dynasty came to power after the Mamluk dynasty. Later, the Tughlaq dynasty replaced it.
Q3
Which governor of Kara plotted against Jalaluddin Khilji and took the throne in 1296?
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Answer: A) Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji was the nephew and son-in-law of Jalaluddin. Earlier, he raided Devagiri and brought back huge wealth. However, he later plotted against his uncle at Kara. As a result, Jalaluddin died in 1296. After that, Alauddin marched to Delhi and took the throne. Thus, he began his rule through force.
Q4
Which Khilji ruler took the title Sikandar-i-Sani, which means “Second Alexander”?
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Answer: C) Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji wanted to become a world conqueror like Alexander. Therefore, he took the title Sikandar-i-Sani. He even struck coins with this title. Moreover, Barani writes that Alauddin thought about a new religion, but Ala-ul-Mulk, the Kotwal of Delhi, advised against it. Instead, Alauddin focused on conquests and strong rule.
Q5
Which Mongol leader besieged Delhi in 1303 during Alauddin’s reign?
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Answer: B) Targhi
Targhi attacked Delhi in 1303, when Alauddin was away at Chittor. As a result, Alauddin took shelter in the Siri camp. However, the Mongols failed to enter the city and left after two months. Later, Alauddin built a strong army and repaired the frontier forts. Therefore, the Mongols attacked less often.
Alauddin Khilji’s Conquests in North and South India
Q6
Which two generals led Alauddin’s army to conquer Gujarat in 1299?
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Answer: A) Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan
Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan marched to Gujarat in 1299. They defeated the Vaghela ruler Karna. As a result, Gujarat came under Delhi’s control. Moreover, the army looted the Somnath temple and the port city of Khambhat. Besides, Nusrat Khan captured Malik Kafur there, and Kafur later became Alauddin’s top general.
Q7
Which ruler of Ranthambore lost his fort to Alauddin in 1301?
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Answer: C) Hammir Dev
Hammir Dev of the Chauhan family ruled Ranthambore. He gave shelter to Muhammad Shah, a rebel noble who had fled from Alauddin. Therefore, Alauddin attacked the fort. The siege lasted for months. In the end, Hammir Dev died in battle, and the royal women chose jauhar.
Q8
Which fort did Alauddin capture in 1303 from Rana Ratan Singh?
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Answer: D) Chittor
Alauddin attacked Chittor in 1303. The siege lasted several months. In the end, Rana Ratan Singh of the Guhila family lost the fort. After that, Alauddin gave the fort to his son Khizr Khan and renamed it Khizrabad. Meanwhile, Amir Khusrau joined the campaign and described it in his writing.
Q9
Which general led Alauddin’s southern campaigns against Devagiri, Warangal, Dwarasamudra, and Madurai?
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Answer: B) Malik Kafur
Malik Kafur led the Deccan campaigns between 1307 and 1311. First, he defeated Ramachandra Deva of Devagiri. Then, he marched against Warangal, Dwarasamudra, and Madurai. As a result, huge wealth reached Delhi. In fact, Alauddin wanted tribute, not direct rule, in the south. Therefore, the southern rulers kept their kingdoms by paying tribute.
Q10
Which Kakatiya ruler of Warangal surrendered to Malik Kafur in 1310?
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Answer: C) Prataparudra
Prataparudra ruled the Kakatiya kingdom from Warangal. Malik Kafur besieged the city in 1310. Therefore, Prataparudra agreed to pay a heavy tribute. Moreover, some writers say he gave the Koh-i-Noor diamond to Kafur. However, historians still debate this story. Later, the Tughlaq army ended Kakatiya rule in 1323.
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Market, Revenue, and Army Reforms of Alauddin Khilji
Q11
Which department controlled prices and markets in Delhi under Alauddin Khilji?
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Answer: D) Diwan-i-Riyasat
Alauddin set up Diwan-i-Riyasat to control the markets of Delhi. Malik Yaqub led this department. Moreover, an officer called Shahna-i-Mandi ran each market. As a result, traders mostly followed the fixed prices. However, officers punished cheating traders strictly. Furthermore, spies reported market news to the Sultan daily.
Q12
Which market in Delhi sold cloth, sugar, dried fruits, and oil at fixed prices?
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Answer: A) Sarai Adl
Sarai Adl sold cloth, sugar, dried fruits, and oil at fixed prices. Besides, Delhi had a grain market and a market for horses, slaves, and cattle. Moreover, the government gave merchants advance loans to bring goods from far places. As a result, supplies stayed steady.
Q13
What share of farm produce did Alauddin Khilji demand as land revenue?
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Answer: B) One-half
Alauddin measured the cultivated land, mainly in the Doab and nearby areas. Then, he fixed the state share at half of the produce. He also collected a house tax (Ghari) and a grazing tax (Charai). As a result, the treasury grew stronger. However, farmers paid a heavy burden.
Q14
Which system did Alauddin introduce to stop false claims about army horses?
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Answer: C) Dagh
Alauddin introduced the Dagh system to brand army horses. Moreover, he started the Chehra system, which kept a record of each soldier’s appearance. Therefore, officers could not show fake soldiers or weak horses. In addition, he paid soldiers in cash instead of giving land grants. Thus, he built a large standing army.
Q15
Which department collected unpaid taxes under Alauddin Khilji?
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Answer: A) Diwan-i-Mustakhraj
Alauddin created Diwan-i-Mustakhraj to collect unpaid taxes. Officers checked the accounts of revenue clerks and landlords. Therefore, corruption in village administration fell. Moreover, the Sultan reduced the power of local chiefs. As a result, more money reached the royal treasury. However, rich landlords disliked the new rules.
Architecture, Literature, and Fall of the Khilji Dynasty
Q16
Which gateway did Alauddin build in 1311 near the Qutb Minar?
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Answer: D) Alai Darwaza
Alauddin built the Alai Darwaza in 1311 near the Qutb Minar. Builders used red sandstone and white marble decorations. Moreover, this gateway shows an early use of the true arch and dome. Also, Alauddin started the Alai Minar. However, work stopped after his death, so the tower stayed incomplete.
Q17
Which court poet wrote Khazain-ul-Futuh about Alauddin’s conquests?
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Answer: C) Amir Khusrau
Amir Khusrau served as a court poet under several Delhi Sultans, including Alauddin. In Khazain-ul-Futuh, he describes Alauddin’s conquests. Moreover, he followed the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. Besides, Khusrau wrote poems in Persian and Hindavi. Therefore, many people see him as an important link between Persian and Indian culture.
Q18
Who wrote Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, an important source on Alauddin’s market reforms?
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Answer: B) Ziauddin Barani
Ziauddin Barani wrote Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi in the 14th century. His uncle served Alauddin as Kotwal of Delhi. Therefore, Barani gives detailed accounts of Alauddin’s price control and revenue reforms. However, Barani also shows his own opinions in the book. For this reason, historians compare his account with other sources.
Q19
Who killed Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah in 1320?
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Answer: A) Khusrau Khan
Khusrau Khan served as a powerful noble under Mubarak Shah. However, he killed the Sultan in 1320 and took the throne as Nasiruddin Khusrau Shah. As a result, the Khilji dynasty ended. Meanwhile, many nobles disliked his rule. Later, Ghazi Malik led an army against him.
Q20
Which ruler founded the Tughlaq dynasty after he defeated Khusrau Khan?
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Answer: D) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Ghazi Malik defeated Khusrau Khan in 1320. After that, he took the throne as Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. Therefore, the Tughlaq dynasty replaced the Khilji dynasty. Moreover, he built the new city of Tughlaqabad near Delhi. Later, his son Muhammad bin Tughlaq took the throne.
Conclusion
Great job! You now know the key facts about the Khilji dynasty. First, you learned how Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji started the dynasty in 1290. Then, you studied Alauddin Khilji’s conquests, market rules, and tax reforms. Also, you saw how Malik Kafur led the campaigns in the south. Finally, you learned how Khusrau Khan ended the dynasty and how Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq began a new one.
Now, practice these MCQs again to remember the facts. Moreover, write down the important dates and names. For example, note 1290, 1296, 1316, and 1320. As a result, you will answer exam questions with more confidence. Keep going, and good luck with your RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC preparation!