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Mahmud Ghazni and Mahmud of Ghur

Objective: To provide clear and accurate solved questions and answers on Mahmud of Ghazni and Mohammad of Ghur for the ease and understanding of ICSE Class 7 students.

History often introduces us to powerful rulers whose actions shaped the future of entire regions. For ICSE Class 7 students, two such important figures are Mahmud of Ghazni and Mohammad of Ghur. Understanding their invasions, motives, and impact on Indian history is a key part of the curriculum—but it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

That’s why this blog post is here to help.

We’ve carefully compiled and solved the most important questions and answers related to these two rulers, strictly following the ICSE syllabus. Whether you’re preparing for your exams or simply want to revise in a stress-free way, these easy-to-understand Q&As are designed just for you.

Let’s dive into the past and make learning history simpler and more meaningful!

Answer the following questions on Mahmud of Ghazni and Mohammad of Ghur:

1.Who was Mahmud of Ghazni? Why did he want to invade India?

Ans: Subuktigin (a Turkish noble), the ruler of Ghazni, was succeeded by his son mahmud in AD 971. He wanted to achieve glory as the greatest conqueror of the world. He had heard about the fabulous wealth of the Indo-gangetic plains. Thus, he was plundered to replenish the treasury of Ghazni.

2. Why were the temples his special target?

Ans: Ghazni attacked and raided rich cities and temple towns like Nagarkot, Multan, Alwar , Thaneshwar, Mathura and Somnath. Mahmud plundered temples for wealth which he needed to protect his kingdom from the ever expanding kingdoms of central Asia. One of the most important invasions of mahmud was the Somnath Temple . It was a city of great reverence for the Hindus and thousands of them had gathered to defend it. About 50,000 devotees laid down their lives in vain. The city lost 1300 kilograms of gold and millions of dinars.

3. Name the five Rajput kingdoms during Mohammad Ghori’s time.

Ans: The five major kingdoms during Mohammad Ghori’s times are Rathors of Kanauj, the Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer, The Solankis of Gujarat, The Paramaras of Malwa and the Chandellas of BUndelkhand.

4. Why were the First and Second Battles of Tarain important?

Ans: Romila Thapar suggests that it was economic interest and not religious intolerance that made Mohammad Ghori to be involved in invasions like two battles of Tarain. The First Battle of Tarain was fought in 1191 AD and the second Battle was fought in 1192 AD against Prithviraj Chauhan. In the First Battle, Mohammad Ghori was defeated by Prithviraj and he barely managed to escape with his life. Ghori raised a big army a second time in order to get his vengeance against Prithviraj. Prithviraj was defeated in the Second Battle . The second battle is a turning point since it marked the end of Rajput rule in northern India. The conquered territories were made the province of Ghori’s empire and Qutub-ud-din Aibak , one of his generals, was appointed its governor. Under his general rule, the empire was expanded covering Mathura, Gwalior, Bundelkhand and Malwa.

5. How did the invasion of Mohammad Ghori differ from the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni?

Ans: THe invasion of Mohammad Ghori differed from that of Mahmud Ghazni in the sense that Ghazni was merely a conqueror who looted and plundered India, whereas Ghori attempted to build an empire. Even when he returned, he let his general Qutub-ud-din Aibak  to complete the conquests.Therefore, he is rightly regarded as  the founder of Turko-Afghan rule in India.

6. What were the causes of the success of the invaders in the 11th and 12th centuries?

Ans: The causes of the success of the invaders of the 11th and 12th centuries are as follows:

1: The Rajputs had a weak war machinery- they fought with slow moving elephants which were no match for the lightning attacks of guerilla warriors.

2: Internal jealousy and hatred led to disunity , especially between Prithviraj and Jaichand at the crucial moment.

3: The feudatory nature of the society was also a cause of the decline of Rajputs as the rulers as there was no standing army for themselves.

4: Lack of leadership among the feudal lords.

5: Since they came from far-off lands, the Turko-Afghans were more determined to win and forget with more vigour than the Rajputs.

6: There was no outstanding leader among the Rajputs like Mahmud of Ghazni and Mohammad Ghur..

7. What was the impact of the raids that took place during this period?

Ans: The impacts of the raids led to the influence of Indo-Islamic culture in the Indian subcontinent which led to the emergence of a composite culture that manifested in the architecture, language, music and food.

Also, these invasions also opened the subcontinent to migration of people in large numbers. They came as soldiers, traders, workers and settled in India.

B: Fill in the blanks:

1: Mahmud of Ghazni was the son of Subuktigin.

2: Mahmud of Ghazni patronized scholars like AL Baruni and Firdausi.

3: The Indo-Islamic contacts resulted in the emergence of  a composite culture.

4: Bakhtiar Khilji, a general of Ghori, conquered Bengal and Bihar.

5: Al Beruni wrote a book on India called Tahqiq-i- Hind.

C : Match the following

A

1: Battle of Tarain

2: Mohammad Ghori

3:  Qutub-ud-din Aibak

4: Firdausi

5: MAhmud Ghazni

B

1: founder of a new empire

2: Persian poet

3: defeated Prithviraj Chauhan

4: looted Somnath temples

5:Turkish ruler

Answers: 

1: Battle of Tarain-defeated Prithviraj Chauhan

2: Mohammad Ghori-Turkish ruler

3:  Qutub-ud-din Aibak-founder of a new empire

4: Firdausi-Persian poet

5: Mahmud Ghazni-looted Somnath temples

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D: State whether the following statements are true or false

1: Mohammad Ghori looted and plundered the Somnath Temple.

2: Prithviraj and Jaichand failed to unite and fight against Mohammad Ghori.

3: Persian poet Firdausi wrote the great epic Shahnama.

4: Qutub-ud-din Aibak was one of the most trusted generals of mahmud Ghazni.

5: The capital city, Ghazni, was adorned with beautiful buildings.

The Slave Dynasty

Objective: To provide solved questions and answers on the Slave Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate for ICSE Class 7 students in a clear and student-friendly format.

Learning about the Delhi Sultanate, especially the Slave Dynasty, opens a fascinating window into India’s medieval history. But remembering all the dates, rulers, and key events can sometimes feel confusing—especially when exams are around the corner.

This blog post is here to make your preparation easier and smarter.

We’ve put together a set of solved questions and answers based on the ICSE Class 7 syllabus, tailored to help you understand and revise quickly. The answers are written in a simple, student-friendly manner so you don’t just memorize—but truly learn.

Let’s make history less stressful and more enjoyable—starting with the rise of the Slave Dynasty!

A. Answer the following questions on Delhi Sultanate-The Slave Dynasty :

1. Why are the first few rulers of the Delhi Sultanate called the rulers of the Slave Dynasty?
Ans: The first few rulers of the Delhi Sultanate—Qutub-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, and Balban—were called rulers of the Slave Dynasty because they were originally slaves. Qutub-ud-din Aibak rose to become a general of Muhammad Ghori and eventually succeeded him.

2. How did Iltutmish avoid the invasion of the Mongols in India?
Ans: Qutub-ud-din Aibak was succeeded by Iltutmish, his former slave and later his capable son-in-law. He diplomatically saved India from the Mongol invasion when he refused to give shelter to the Shah of Persia in AD 1221. At that time, the Mongols, led by Genghis Khan, were pursuing the Shah of Persia. He and his army reached the banks of the Indus River, spreading terror. Iltutmish realized the threat to his empire and refused to provide refuge to the Shah of Persia, which pleased Genghis Khan, and he retreated without attacking India.

3. Who laid the foundation of the Slave Dynasty?
Ans: The foundation of the Slave Dynasty was laid by Qutub-ud-din Aibak. It was also called the Mamluk Dynasty, as the Arabic word ‘Mamluk’ means slave. The rulers were originally slaves, and Qutub-ud-din Aibak rose to become a general of Muhammad Ghori and eventually succeeded him. He suppressed internal revolts and successfully checked external invasions. He died after falling from his horse while playing polo. After Qutub-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish succeeded him and later became his capable son-in-law. Iltutmish was a skilled diplomat who introduced the Iqtadari system to please the Turkish nobles. He divided territories among them, making them responsible for administration and revenue collection.

4. What were the common problems faced by the rulers of the Delhi SUltanate Slave Dynasty?
Ans: The rulers of the Slave Dynasty faced both internal and external challenges. In the case of Iltutmish, the generals of Muhammad Ghori harassed him, while the Rajputs attempted to take advantage of the situation. To strengthen the Sultanate, Iltutmish expanded his territories by defeating Yaldoz, the ruler of Ghazni, and the ruler of Multan, pushing them out of Punjab. He also suppressed the Khilji revolt in Bengal and defeated the Rajput rulers of Gwalior, Malwa, Ujjain, Ranthambore, and Mandu.

The Delhi Sultanate The Slave Dynasty was also under constant threat from Mongol invasions. To prevent an attack, Iltutmish refused to shelter the Shah of Persia, who was being pursued by Genghis Khan.

Iltutmish’s daughter, Razia Sultan, became the ruler after her father since none of his other successors were capable of ruling. She managed to restore law and order and ended the chaos among the nobles. However, corrupt nobles rebelled against her and her husband, Altuniya, which eventually led to her downfall and death.

Besides corrupt nobles, incompetent rulers also weakened the Delhi Sultanate. A group of 40 Turkish nobles elected Nasiruddin Mahmud as the ruler. Being only 17 years old, he relied on his father-in-law and Prime Minister Balban. During Nasiruddin’s rule, internal rebellions were frequent, but they were crushed effectively.

Thus, external threats like Mongol invasions and internal conflicts with nobles were some of the major challenges faced by the rulers of the Slave Dynasty.

5. What measures were taken by Balban to consolidate his empire?
Ans: Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, the advisor and father-in-law of Nasiruddin Mahmud, served as the Prime Minister of the Sultanate. To consolidate the empire, he implemented several measures.

• He built strong fortifications along the Northwest Frontier and repaired existing ones. He also maintained a well-equipped army and appointed his son as the governor of the frontier province of Multan.
• Balban adopted the ‘Blood and Iron’ policy to control rebels and suppress opposition. He used force against rebels, corrupt nobles, invaders, thieves, and traitors to establish peace and order.
• He took strict measures to curb the power of rebellious nobles. Tughril Beg revolted and declared independence in Bengal. Balban crushed the rebellion and ordered the execution of Beg’s family and followers to maintain authority.

6. How did Razia Sultana become the ruler after Iltutmish?
Ans: Iltutmish died in AD 1236. Before his death, he nominated his daughter, Razia Sultan, as his successor since none of his sons had the necessary qualities to rule. However, the nobles refused to be ruled by a woman and placed his son, Ruknuddin, on the throne. When Ruknuddin proved to be an incompetent ruler, the nobles removed him and allowed Razia to ascend the throne in AD 1236.

B. Fill in the blanks:

1. The earliest rulers of the Delhi Sultanate were the Mamluks.
2. Qutub-ud-din Aibak served as a general under Muhammad Ghori.
3. The orthodox Muslims opposed the Sijdah.
4. The youngest son of Iltutmish was Nasir-ud-din.
5. The governor of Sirhind who revolted against Razia was Altuniya.

C. Match the following:

D. State whether the following statements are true or false:

1. Iltutmish started the construction of the Qutub Minar: False
2. The Chalisa helped Iltutmish’s son come to power: True
3. Razia Sultana was married to Yakut: False
4. Iltutmish followed the policy of Blood and Iron: False
5. Muhammad Ghori was succeeded by Qutub-ud-din Aibak: True

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E. Name them:

1. Three buildings built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak: Qubbat-ul-Islam, Quwwat-ul-Islam, and Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra.
2. Three rulers of the Slave Dynasty: Qutub-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, and Razia Sultan.
3. The person who was appointed as the governor of Bengal by Balban: Tughril Beg.
4. The daughter of Iltutmish: Razia Sultan.
5. Prime Minister of Nasiruddin: Ghiyas-ud-din Balban.

The Khaljis

Objective: To provide clear, concise, and accurate solved questions and answers on the Khalji Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate for ICSE Class 8 students, helping them study with ease and confidence.

Delhi Sultanate The Khaljis: The Khalji Dynasty played a powerful role in shaping medieval Indian history. From Alauddin Khalji’s bold military campaigns to his smart economic reforms, this chapter is packed with important events and personalities. But when it comes to answering questions in exams, many students struggle to put it all together.

This blog post is here to make your learning journey easier.

We’ve gathered the most important questions from the ICSE Class 8 syllabus and answered them in a simple, student-friendly way. Whether you’re revising for an upcoming test or trying to understand the topic better, these solved Q&As will save your time and boost your confidence.

Let’s explore the rule of the Khaljis—clearly, quickly, and stress-free!

A. Answer the following questions Delhi Sultanate- The Khaljis :

What steps were taken by Alauddin Khilji to establish a vast empire?

Ans: Alauddin Khilji was the nephew of Jalaluddin Khilji, the founder of the Khilji Dynasty. He proved to be a strategic and ambitious ruler, defeating Raja Ramachandra of Devagiri in the Deccan and returning with immense riches. In AD 1296, he assassinated his uncle and proclaimed himself the Sultan of Delhi.

Alauddin expanded his empire significantly, extending it from the Brahmaputra River in the east to the Arabian Sea in the west and from the Himalayas in the north to Madurai in the south. Realizing that the southern territories were difficult to rule directly, he turned their rulers into vassals and imposed annual tributes on them. This system enabled him to maintain a large standing army and establish an efficient administrative framework, securing his position as one of the most powerful Delhi Sultans.

What methods did Alauddin Khilji adopt to strengthen the financial system of his empire?

Ans: Alauddin Khilji implemented a series of economic reforms to stabilize and strengthen the Delhi Sultanate’s economy. The rulers of the Deccan were forced to acknowledge his supremacy by paying a heavy annual tribute. He increased the state’s share of agricultural produce from one-third to half, ensuring higher revenue collection.

To combat inflation and economic instability, Alauddin regulated market prices. Essential commodities required for daily use were sold at fixed rates, ensuring affordability for the common people. Price control policies were strictly enforced, and defaulters were severely punished.

In the Doab region, the fertile land between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, revenue was increased to half of the total produce, and collections were carried out with strict efficiency. To prevent food shortages, government granaries were established to store grains.

What were the major administrative reforms introduced by Alauddin Khilji of (Delhi Sultanate The Khaljis)?

Ans: Alauddin Khilji was not only a brilliant military strategist but also an efficient administrator. To prevent rebellions, he kept a strict watch on the nobles and took decisive measures to suppress any uprising.

All lands and properties granted to nobles as gifts or religious endowments were seized by the government to centralize power. Social activities such as marriages, parties, and gatherings among the nobility were restricted to curb conspiracies.

Additionally, he organized an advanced espionage system, ensuring constant surveillance over the kingdom. His strict policies helped him establish a strong, disciplined administration, making the Delhi Sultanate one of the most powerful regimes in Indian history.

What were the major achievements of Alauddin Khilji?

Ans: Alauddin Khilji was a great patron of art and architecture. He built the Alai Darwaza, a stunning gateway to the Qutub Minar, reflecting Indo-Islamic architectural brilliance.

He also constructed the Siri Fort and the Palace of a Thousand Pillars (Hazar Sutun), which showcased his grand vision for the Delhi Sultanate. Another significant contribution was the Hauz Khas, a large water reservoir built to provide a steady water supply for the royal household.

His achievements in military expansion, administration, economic reforms, and architecture cemented his legacy as one of the most influential rulers in Indian history.

B. Fill in the blanks Delhi Sultanate The Khaljis :

1. The last successor of Balban was Kaikubad.
2. In AD 1296, Alauddin defeated Raja Ramchandra of Devagiri and returned with fabulous riches.
3. In the south, Alauddin made the Rajas his vassals and took annual tribute from them.
4. Alauddin built the Alai Darwaza, which served as a beautiful entrance to the Qutub Minar.
5. Alauddin was succeeded by his son Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah.

C. Match the following:

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D. Write whether the following statements are true or false:

1. Alauddin Khilji took steps to control prices → True
2. The southern states that Alauddin conquered were under his direct control → False
3. Amir Hasan was a scholar in the court of Alauddin Khilji → True
4. Jalaluddin Khilji introduced the system of Chehra → False
5. Alauddin increased the land revenue from one-third to half → True

The Tughluqs and the Lodis

In the chapter “Delhi Sultanate Tughluq and Lodi Dynasties”, the Objective is to provide simplified and reliable solved question and answers from the ICSE Class 7 chapter Tughluq and Lodi Dynasties, making exam preparation smooth and stress-free for students.

Studying about the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate can be both exciting and challenging. The Tughluq and Lodi dynasties played a key role in shaping medieval Indian history—but remembering dates, policies, and events can feel overwhelming at times.

This blogpost is here to help! It brings you a collection of solved Q&As that are clear, easy to understand, and perfectly aligned with the ICSE Class 7 History syllabus. Whether you’re revising for a test or simply trying to make sense of this chapter, these ready-made answers will make your learning journey easier and more enjoyable. Let’s dive in and master the topic with confidence!

A. Answer the following questions on Tughluq and Lodi Dynasties :

Why was Babur invited to India?

Ans: Sikandar Lodi was succeeded by his son Ibrahim Lodi in AD 1517. He faced multiple rebellions, and Rana Sanga, the ruler of Mewar, had expanded his empire up to Western Uttar Pradesh, threatening an attack on Agra. Revolts broke out across the Delhi Sultanate, and Ibrahim Lodi suppressed them with great vengeance.

Seeing this instability, Alam Khan, the Sultan’s uncle, and Daulat Khan, the Governor of Punjab, invited Babur, the ruler of Kabul, to invade India. Babur, who had himself been driven out of his homeland, Samarkand, seized the opportunity. This led to the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, where Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi and killed him, marking the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.

When was the First Battle of Panipat fought? What was the result?

Ans: The First Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526, where Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi and killed him.

The result was that the Lodi Dynasty came to an end, and the world witnessed the rise of the Mughal Empire in India.

What were the causes of the downfall of the Delhi Sultanate?

Ans:

1. Weak Successors – The later rulers of the Delhi Sultanate were weak and inefficient.
2. Internal Conflicts – Continuous noble rivalries and court conspiracies weakened the empire.
3. Economic Decline – Excessive taxation, failed economic policies, and corruption led to financial instability.
4. Foreign Invasions – Repeated invasions, such as Timur’s invasion in 1398, further weakened the empire.
5. Rise of Regional Kingdoms – With the central authority weakening, regional powers such as Mewar, Bengal, and Vijayanagara became independent.

Who was Ghias-ud-din? How did he establish himself as a great Sultan?

Ans: The last Khilji ruler, Khusro Khan, was killed in 1320. The nobles, frustrated by the chaos and instability, raised Ghias-ud-din Tughlaq, also known as Ghazi Malik, to the throne in AD 1320. He built a new city near Delhi, known as Tughlaqabad, which became the capital of his Tughlaq Dynasty.

Ghias-ud-din launched military campaigns, defeating Pratap Rudra Dev of Warangal and annexing parts of Bengal into his empire. He introduced administrative reforms, removed corrupt officials, and improved law and order.

He reduced land revenue to one-tenth of the produce, making taxation fairer. Judicial and police reforms strengthened governance, and he built canals, gardens, and fortifications to ensure public welfare.

These efforts consolidated his rule, making Ghias-ud-din Tughlaq one of the greatest Delhi Sultans.

What were the three main objectives of Firoz Shah Tughlaq as an administrator?

Ans: Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who succeeded Muhammad Bin Tughlaq in AD 1351, aimed to achieve:

1. Economic Stability – He reduced taxes in the Doab region and only imposed Islamic taxation as prescribed in the Quran.
2. Public Welfare – He launched several public utility projects, such as irrigation canals, hospitals, and educational institutions.
3. Abolition of Harsh Punishments – He banned torture and other cruel forms of punishment, bringing justice and peace to his rule.

What did Firoz Shah Tughlaq do for the welfare of his people?

Ans: Firoz Shah Tughlaq focused on economic development and urban expansion. He founded new towns such as Firozabad, Fatehabad, Jaunpur, and Firoz Shah Kotla.

He established 50 madrasas, 40 mosques, 30 colleges, 100 hospitals, and 200 new towns around Delhi. The Firoz Shahi Madrasa at Hauz Khas became a center of higher education for Muslims.

Under his rule, 1200 new gardens were developed in Delhi and surrounding areas, improving agriculture and trade.

Was Muhammad Bin Tughlaq ahead of his time? Explain.

Ans: Yes, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq was ahead of his time due to his ambitious but impractical policies.

1. Introduction of Token Currency – Due to a shortage of silver, he introduced bronze coins with the same value as silver coins. However, since the state did not control the minting, people started making counterfeit coins, leading to economic disaster. The currency was later withdrawn, causing a huge financial loss.
   
2. Failed Military Campaigns – He planned grand conquests of China and Persia, but they failed, leading to massive loss of soldiers and wealth.
   

These policies show that Muhammad Bin Tughlaq had progressive ideas, but his execution failed due to poor planning.

Who was the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate during Timur’s invasion?

Ans: Firoz Shah Tughlaq died in AD 1388 at the age of 80, leading to a struggle for the throne among rival princes.

During Timur’s invasion in 1398, the Delhi Sultanate was leaderless, making it vulnerable. Timur plundered Delhi mercilessly, leaving behind a trail of destruction, bloodshed, and suffering. This invasion led to the final decline of the Delhi Sultanate.

B. Fill in the blanks on Tughluq and Lodi Dynasties :

1. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad.
2. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq planned grand campaigns to conquer China and Persia.
3. Mongols invaded the outskirts of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s empire.
4. Firoz Shah Tughlaq succeeded Muhammad Bin Tughlaq.
5. The Lodi Dynasty was founded by Bahlul Lodi.

C. Write whether the following statements are true or false:

1. Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq shifted his capital from Delhi to Devagiri. → False
2. Ibrahim Lodi won the First Battle of Panipat. → False
3. The decline of the Delhi Sultanate led to the rise of regional kingdoms. → True
4. Firoz Shah Tughlaq was a lover of architecture. → True
5. Timur was the great-grandfather of Babur. → False

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D. Match the following on Tughluq and Lodi Dynasties :

E. Name the following:

1. Raised to the throne in 1320 by the nobles → Ghias-ud-din Tughlaq
2. Jonah Khan took this title after becoming king → Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
3. Head of the Chagatai Turks in Central Asia → Tamerlane (Timur)
4. Two kings of the Lodi Dynasty → Bahlul Lodi and Sikandar Lodi
5. Timur’s successor in India → Sayyid Dynasty

F. Give reasons for the following:

1. Why did Muhammad Bin Tughlaq shift his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?
2. How did Timur’s invasion shake the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate?
3. What was the significance of the First Battle of Panipat?