UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements

1. The first Mongol Invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji. 
2. During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city. 
3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his kingdom to Mongols.
   
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation:

• Jalaluddin Khalji ruled from 1290 to 1296. First Mongol invasion happened when Mongols were pursuing Jalaluddin Mangbarani of Khwarezm who had ran to India in 1221. So, statement 1 is not correct.
  
  

• During the reign of Alauddin Khilji, Mongols invaded India and put a siege around Delhi in 1303.  So, Statement 2 is correct
  
  

• After about 1307 the Mongol threat suddenly receded; and only on one occasion subsequently does it appear to have attained to the same proportions. Early in the reign of Muhammad Tughluq, the Chaghatai Khan Tarmashirin led an incursion in which the Mongol forces once again advanced to the Jumna but retired without actually entering the capital when he was paid a ransom. Thereafter, Hindustan was free of major inroads from this quarter for another sixty years or more, until the sack of Delhi by Timur in 1398. So, Statement 3 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: History|Delhi Sultanate