Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq Administrative Reorganisation: MCQs
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and Administrative Reorganisation: Revenue Policy, Military Governance and State Consolidation – MCQs
Introduction
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320–1325 CE) was the founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty and succeeded Khusrau Khan after defeating him in 1320 CE. His reign was relatively short, but it was important for restoring political stability after the turbulent final years of Khalji rule.
Ghiyasuddin is particularly associated with the reorganisation of administration, restoration of political authority, regulation of revenue collection, strengthening of the military and consolidation of the Sultanate’s territorial control. Medieval sources describe his approach to revenue as comparatively cautious: he emphasized that excessive demands could damage cultivation and ultimately reduce the state’s revenue base.
He also undertook military campaigns to reinforce Delhi’s authority in regions such as Telangana and Bengal. His reign therefore represents an important transition between the Khalji and Tughlaq phases of the Delhi Sultanate. NIOS identifies Ghazi Malik’s accession as Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1320 CE and places his death in 1325 CE.
20 MCQs with Answers and Explanations
1. Who founded the Tughlaq Dynasty?
A. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
B. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
C. Firuz Shah Tughlaq
D. Khizr Khan
Correct Answer: B. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, formerly known as Ghazi Malik, founded the Tughlaq Dynasty in 1320 CE after defeating Khusrau Khan. He succeeded the Khalji Dynasty and became the first Tughlaq Sultan of Delhi. His reign focused heavily on restoring political order, strengthening administration and consolidating territories that had become unstable during the later Khalji period. NIOS also identifies Ghazi Malik’s accession as Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1320 CE.
2. What was the approximate period of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s reign?
A. 1290–1296 CE
B. 1296–1316 CE
C. 1320–1325 CE
D. 1325–1351 CE
Correct Answer: C. 1320–1325 CE
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq ruled from approximately 1320 to 1325 CE. His reign lasted only about five years, but it was significant because he restored the authority of the Delhi Sultanate following the political instability of the final Khalji years. He was succeeded by his son Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1325 CE.
3. Which ruler did Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq defeat to establish the Tughlaq Dynasty?
A. Jalaluddin Khalji
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Khusrau Khan
D. Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah
Correct Answer: C. Khusrau Khan
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq emerged as the leader of opposition to Khusrau Khan, who had seized the Delhi throne after murdering Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah. Ghiyasuddin defeated Khusrau Khan in 1320 CE, ending the Khalji Dynasty and establishing Tughlaq rule. The transition illustrates the importance of military power and political alliances in succession within the Delhi Sultanate.
4. What was one of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s principal administrative objectives?
A. Abolition of the Sultanate’s central government
B. Restoration and strengthening of central authority
C. Complete independence of provincial governors
D. Replacement of the Sultan by elected councils
Correct Answer: B. Restoration and strengthening of central authority
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin inherited a state weakened by the political turmoil of the late Khalji period. He therefore sought to restore the authority of the central government, strengthen officials and governors, maintain military discipline and bring unstable territories back under effective Sultanate control. His administrative policy was directed toward political consolidation rather than radical institutional experimentation.
5. Which aspect of revenue administration is particularly associated with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq?
A. Unrestricted enhancement of land revenue
B. Gradual and carefully regulated revenue assessment
C. Complete abolition of agricultural taxation
D. Introduction of the Permanent Settlement
Correct Answer: B. Gradual and carefully regulated revenue assessment
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin emphasized that revenue demands should not be so excessive that they damaged cultivation. Medieval evidence associated with his reign describes instructions to officials to encourage agricultural expansion and increase revenue gradually rather than impose sudden and destructive demands. This approach recognized the relationship between agricultural productivity and the long-term fiscal strength of the state.
6. According to the evidence concerning Ghiyasuddin’s revenue policy, what was the desired relationship between taxation and cultivation?
A. Higher taxation should always be imposed regardless of agricultural conditions
B. Revenue collection should support continued cultivation and agricultural expansion
C. Agriculture should be abandoned in favour of trade
D. Only nobles should cultivate land
Correct Answer: B. Revenue collection should support continued cultivation and agricultural expansion
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin’s revenue policy emphasized maintaining the productive capacity of the countryside. Excessive taxation could force peasants to abandon cultivation, thereby reducing future revenue. The evidence therefore presents a principle of moderate assessment and protection of cultivation, with gradual increases where agricultural production expanded.
7. Who were the muqtis in the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate?
A. Religious scholars only
B. Provincial or territorial officials associated with the administration of iqtas
C. Village priests
D. Royal architects
Correct Answer: B. Provincial or territorial officials associated with the administration of iqtas
Explanation:
The muqtis were officials who administered territorial assignments known as iqtas and were responsible for functions including revenue collection and military obligations. Ghiyasuddin instructed governors and muqtis regarding responsible revenue collection. His policy sought to prevent excessive exaction that could damage agricultural production.
8. What was the basic administrative principle behind Ghiyasuddin’s approach to provincial revenue collection?
A. Officials could impose unlimited additional demands
B. Revenue officials should avoid destructive over-assessment
C. Provinces could refuse all central taxation
D. Military commanders were exempt from all obligations
Correct Answer: B. Revenue officials should avoid destructive over-assessment
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin’s revenue instructions emphasized consistency and moderation. Medieval evidence records his concern that excessive demands by officials, chiefs or headmen could harm cultivation. The Sultan therefore sought to regulate the relationship between provincial officials, local intermediaries and cultivators.
9. Which region received Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s attention because of the weakening of Delhi’s authority in the Deccan?
A. Telangana
B. Kashmir
C. Gujarat only
D. Sindh only
Correct Answer: A. Telangana
Explanation:
The political situation in the Deccan had become unstable after the decline of Khalji authority. Ghiyasuddin sent his son Ulugh Khan, later known as Muhammad bin Tughlaq, to campaign against Warangal in Telangana. The campaign eventually brought the region under Delhi’s control. IGNOU’s historical material records the campaign against Telingana during Ghiyasuddin’s reign.
10. What was the original name of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Ghiyasuddin’s son and successor?
A. Ulugh Khan
B. Ghazi Malik
C. Khizr Khan
D. Nusrat Khan
Correct Answer: A. Ulugh Khan
Explanation:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq was known as Ulugh Khan before becoming Sultan. He was the son and designated successor of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. During his father’s reign, he played an important military role, including campaigns in the Deccan. He succeeded his father in 1325 CE.
11. Which of the following regions was the target of Ulugh Khan’s campaign during Ghiyasuddin’s reign?
A. Warangal
B. Bengal only
C. Kashmir
D. Malwa only
Correct Answer: A. Warangal
Explanation:
Ulugh Khan led a major campaign against Warangal, the centre of the Kakatiya kingdom in Telangana. After prolonged military operations, Warangal was brought under Delhi’s authority. The campaign formed part of the broader effort to restore the Sultanate’s control over territories that had become politically unstable after the Khalji period.
12. Why was Bengal important in Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s political policy?
A. Bengal had always been completely integrated into Delhi’s administration
B. Bengal was frequently prone to political instability and assertions of independence
C. Bengal had no strategic importance
D. Bengal was the capital of the Tughlaq Empire
Correct Answer: B. Bengal was frequently prone to political instability and assertions of independence
Explanation:
Bengal had a long history of difficult relations with the Delhi Sultanate because of its geographical distance and powerful local political forces. During Ghiyasuddin’s reign, internal conflict in Bengal provided an opportunity for Delhi to intervene. Ghiyasuddin personally moved eastward and Delhi’s authority was reasserted in parts of Bengal.
13. Which statement best describes Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s approach to administration?
A. He completely abandoned the institutions of the Delhi Sultanate
B. He sought to restore order, strengthen central authority and regulate revenue administration
C. He transferred the capital to Daulatabad
D. He abolished the iqta system
Correct Answer: B. He sought to restore order, strengthen central authority and regulate revenue administration
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin’s administration can broadly be understood as one of restoration and consolidation. He inherited a politically unstable Sultanate and sought to strengthen the central government, discipline provincial officials, maintain military preparedness and improve revenue administration. The dramatic capital-transfer experiment belongs to the reign of his successor, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, not Ghiyasuddin.
14. Which of the following policies is associated more specifically with Muhammad bin Tughlaq rather than Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq?
A. Moderate revenue assessment
B. Restoration of political authority after the Khalji period
C. Transfer of the capital from Delhi toward Daulatabad
D. Campaigns to consolidate the Sultanate
Correct Answer: C. Transfer of the capital from Delhi toward Daulatabad
Explanation:
The famous decision to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (Devagiri) belongs to Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who succeeded Ghiyasuddin in 1325 CE. It should not be attributed to Ghiyasuddin. This distinction is frequently tested in examinations because both rulers belonged to the Tughlaq Dynasty but followed different administrative approaches.
15. Which statement about Ghiyasuddin’s treatment of agricultural revenue is most accurate?
A. He encouraged arbitrary enhancement of taxes
B. He emphasized that revenue demands should not destroy cultivation
C. He abolished all taxes on agricultural land
D. He replaced land revenue with customs duties
Correct Answer: B. He emphasized that revenue demands should not destroy cultivation
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin’s fiscal approach recognized agriculture as the foundation of state revenue. Excessive taxation could lead to impoverishment, abandonment of cultivation and long-term decline in revenue. Evidence concerning his reign describes instructions to provincial authorities to ensure that revenue extraction remained compatible with continued cultivation and agricultural expansion.
16. Which architectural monument is most closely associated with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq?
A. Tughlaqabad Fort
B. Alai Darwaza
C. Qutb Minar
D. Buland Darwaza
Correct Answer: A. Tughlaqabad Fort
Explanation:
Tughlaqabad Fort in Delhi is strongly associated with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and reflects the military character of early Tughlaq architecture. Its massive walls, bastions and fortified layout illustrate the importance of defence and political authority in the period. The Archaeological Survey of India lists the walls, gateways, bastions and internal structures of Tughlaqabad Fort, along with the tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, among centrally protected monuments.
17. What does Tughlaqabad’s architecture particularly reflect?
A. The military and defensive priorities of the early Tughlaq period
B. Mughal miniature painting
C. European Gothic architecture
D. Chola temple architecture
Correct Answer: A. The military and defensive priorities of the early Tughlaq period
Explanation:
Tughlaq architecture is notable for its massive, relatively austere and fortified character. Tughlaqabad’s imposing walls, gateways and bastions reflect the importance of defence and centralized military authority. Its remains provide archaeological evidence of the political and architectural environment of Ghiyasuddin’s reign. The ASI officially lists the Tughlaqabad fortifications and Ghiyasuddin’s tomb as protected monuments.
18. Which event marks the end of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s reign?
A. His death in 1325 CE
B. His defeat by Alauddin Khalji in 1296 CE
C. His abdication in 1316 CE
D. His defeat by Timur in 1398 CE
Correct Answer: A. His death in 1325 CE
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq died in 1325 CE, bringing his relatively short reign to an end. His son Muhammad bin Tughlaq succeeded him. NIOS places Ghiyasuddin’s death in 1325 CE and identifies Muhammad Tughlaq as his successor.
19. Which sequence correctly represents the early Tughlaq succession?
A. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq → Muhammad bin Tughlaq → Firuz Shah Tughlaq
B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq → Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq → Firuz Shah Tughlaq
C. Firuz Shah Tughlaq → Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq → Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq → Firuz Shah Tughlaq → Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Correct Answer: A. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq → Muhammad bin Tughlaq → Firuz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation:
The correct succession is Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320–1325) → Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351) → Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388). Remembering this sequence is essential for understanding the development of the Tughlaq Dynasty and distinguishing the policies of its major rulers.
20. Which statement best summarizes the historical importance of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s administration?
A. He initiated the complete collapse of the Delhi Sultanate
B. He restored political stability and emphasized controlled revenue administration and territorial consolidation
C. He introduced the Mughal administrative system
D. He permanently abolished provincial administration
Correct Answer: B. He restored political stability and emphasized controlled revenue administration and territorial consolidation
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin’s reign was principally a period of restoration and consolidation. He inherited a Sultanate weakened by the final Khalji succession crisis and worked to strengthen central authority, regulate provincial administration, maintain military power and restore control over strategically important regions. His revenue policy emphasized avoiding destructive over-assessment, while his campaigns reinforced Delhi’s authority in areas such as Telangana and Bengal.
Major Administrative Features of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
| Administrative Area | Major Feature |
|---|---|
| Central authority | Strengthened the Sultan’s authority after the Khalji crisis |
| Revenue | Favoured controlled and gradual assessment |
| Agriculture | Sought to protect cultivation from excessive demands |
| Provincial administration | Monitored governors and muqtis |
| Iqta administration | Continued the established Sultanate framework |
| Military | Strengthened military power and territorial control |
| Deccan policy | Reasserted Delhi’s authority in Telangana |
| Bengal policy | Intervened to reinforce Delhi’s influence |
| Succession | Muhammad bin Tughlaq succeeded him in 1325 CE |
| Architecture | Tughlaqabad and Ghiyasuddin’s tomb represent his architectural legacy |
Important Terminology
Iqta
A territorial assignment through which an official or muqti was associated with revenue collection and administrative and military responsibilities.
Muqti
An official responsible for administering an iqta and fulfilling specified fiscal and military obligations.
Revenue Assessment
The process of determining the amount of revenue to be collected from agricultural production and other taxable resources.
Centralisation
The concentration of political and administrative authority in the hands of the Sultan and the central government.
Tughlaqabad
The fortified city associated with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in Delhi, notable for its massive defensive walls, bastions and gates.
Important Chronology
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1320 CE | Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq defeats Khusrau Khan |
| 1320 CE | Beginning of Tughlaq Dynasty |
| 1321 CE | Ulugh Khan begins major campaign toward Warangal |
| 1323 CE | Warangal/Telangana brought under Delhi’s direct authority after prolonged campaigning |
| 1323–1324 CE | Ghiyasuddin intervenes in Bengal |
| 1325 CE | Death of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq |
| 1325 CE | Muhammad bin Tughlaq succeeds him |
The broad chronology of the Warangal campaign and Ghiyasuddin’s Bengal intervention is documented in IGNOU’s historical material.
Quick Revision Table
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Founder of Tughlaq Dynasty | Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq |
| Original name | Ghazi Malik |
| Reign | 1320–1325 CE |
| Predecessor | Khusrau Khan |
| Successor | Muhammad bin Tughlaq |
| Son and heir | Ulugh Khan |
| Major revenue principle | Avoid excessive assessment |
| Main economic concern | Protection and expansion of cultivation |
| Important official | Muqti |
| Territorial campaign | Telangana/Warangal |
| Eastern intervention | Bengal |
| Major monument | Tughlaqabad Fort |
| Architectural character | Massive and fortified |
| Important heritage site | Ghiyasuddin’s Tomb at Tughlaqabad |
Key Takeaway for Competitive Exams
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320–1325 CE) is best remembered as the founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty and a ruler associated with political restoration, administrative consolidation and comparatively regulated revenue policy.
For examination purposes, remember:
1320 CE → Tughlaq Dynasty founded → Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq → Revenue moderation → Agricultural protection → Telangana campaign → Bengal intervention → Tughlaqabad → 1325 CE → Muhammad bin Tughlaq
A particularly important distinction is that Ghiyasuddin’s approach emphasized consolidation and controlled revenue administration, whereas several famous experimental policies—such as the transfer of the capital to Daulatabad and token currency—belong to the subsequent reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Targeting Exams
CUET-UG / CUET-PG, UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, IBPS PO, SBI PO, RRB NTPC, RRB Group D, CDS, NDA & NA, CAPF, APSC CCE, All State Government Exams, Assam Government Grade III & IV, Assam Police Recruitment, CTET, UGC NET
FAQs
1. Who founded the Tughlaq Dynasty?
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, formerly known as Ghazi Malik, founded the Tughlaq Dynasty in 1320 CE.
2. How long did Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq rule?
He ruled approximately from 1320 to 1325 CE.
3. What was Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s main administrative objective?
His major objective was to restore political stability, strengthen central authority and consolidate the Sultanate after the Khalji political crisis.
4. What was distinctive about Ghiyasuddin’s revenue policy?
He emphasized moderate and gradual revenue assessment and warned against excessive demands that could damage cultivation and reduce future revenue.
5. What was an iqta?
An iqta was a territorial assignment associated with revenue and administrative responsibilities, generally administered by an official such as a muqti.
6. Who was Ulugh Khan?
Ulugh Khan was the name/title of Ghiyasuddin’s son, who later became Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
7. Which important Deccan region was targeted during Ghiyasuddin’s reign?
His son Ulugh Khan led campaigns against Warangal in Telangana, helping restore Delhi’s authority in the region.
8. Which monument is associated with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq?
Tughlaqabad Fort and the tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq are major architectural and archaeological remains associated with his reign. The ASI lists both among centrally protected monuments.
9. Who succeeded Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq?
His son Muhammad bin Tughlaq succeeded him in 1325 CE.
10. Did Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq introduce the transfer of capital to Daulatabad?
No. The famous capital-transfer policy belongs to Muhammad bin Tughlaq, his successor.
External Links and Authoritative References
For further study and verification, the following authoritative resources are useful:
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) – History: The NIOS material includes a dedicated section on the establishment and expansion of the Delhi Sultanate and the Tughlaqs.
NIOS History – Establishment and Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate - IGNOU eGyanKosh – Delhi Sultanate: IGNOU’s academic resources cover the political, administrative and institutional development of the Delhi Sultanate.
IGNOU eGyanKosh – Delhi Sultanate Resources - Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): ASI is the Government of India’s principal organization for archaeological research and protection of cultural heritage. Its protected-monuments records include Tughlaqabad Fort and the Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
Archaeological Survey of India – Official Website - IGNOU eGyanKosh – Economy of the Delhi Sultanate: Useful for studying medieval revenue administration and the evidence concerning Ghiyasuddin’s fiscal principles.
IGNOU eGyanKosh – Economy of Delhi Sultanate