UPSC Prelims 2021 Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince.
2. It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala.
   
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation:

• Shams ud-Din Iltutmish (1210-1236) was second ruler of the Slave dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. His Mangol policy saved India from attacks by Chengiz Khan. In 1221 Mongols attacked and defeated Khwarizmi ruler, Jalaluddin. Jalaludin fled to India. Changiz Khan reached Indus but decided not to cross to India. He conquered the remaining portions of the Khwarizmi Empire. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  

• Nasiruddin Mahamud (Slave dynasty) ruled over Delhi Sultanate from 1394 to 1412. In 1398, Taimur invaded India. After crossing the Indus River on September 1398, he sacked Taulamba. In October 1398, he captured Multan. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq (Tughlaq dynasty) ruled from 1325 to 1361. So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  

• Deva Raya II succeeded to the throne in 1425 in Vijayanagar Empire. He ruled till 1446. Vasco Da Gama arrived at Calicut (Coast in Kerala) in May 1498. So, Deva Raya II reign ended before the arrival of Vasco Da Gama. So, statement 3 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Delhi Sultanate