Which of the following rulers mobilise a large standing army in Delhi due to the Mongol invasion, which posed a huge administrative challenge?
I. Alauddin Khalji
II. Muhammad Tughluq
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
According to history, Mongol attacks on the Delhi Sultanate increased during the reigns of both Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughlaq. To counter these attacks, both rulers had to maintain a large standing army in Delhi, which proved to be a major financial and administrative challenge for their administrations.
Alauddin Khalji: To deal with the repeated Mongol invasions (such as those in 1299-1300 and 1302-1303), Alauddin created a large standing army. He established a new garrison town called Siri for his soldiers and implemented strict market reforms and price controls to control military expenditures.
Muhammad Tughlaq: The early years of his reign were also marked by Mongol invasions. He mobilized a large army not only for defense but also with the intention of invading Mongol territory (Transoxiana). Maintaining this army became so difficult for the administration that it issued 'token currency', which ultimately failed and it had to disband its army.
Therefore answer is Both I and II