Khilji Dynasty MCQs with Answers (60+) for CSS, PMS & Competitive Exams
1. The Khilji Dynasty was founded by _____.
Correct Answer: A. Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji
Explanation: Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji founded the Khilji dynasty in 1290 AD after overthrowing the last ruler of the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty, Muizuddin Qaiqabad.
2. The Khilji Dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from _____.
Correct Answer: B. 1290–1320
Explanation: The Khilji Dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1290 to 1320 AD, a period of about 30 years.
3. The most powerful ruler of the Khilji dynasty was _____.
Correct Answer: B. Alauddin Khilji
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji (r. 1296–1316) was the most powerful and capable ruler of the Khilji dynasty, renowned for his military conquests, administrative reforms, and market control policies.
4. Alauddin Khilji became Sultan in _____.
Correct Answer: C. 1296
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji became Sultan in 1296 AD after having his uncle Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji assassinated and seizing the throne.
5. Alauddin Khilji’s famous market reforms were known as _____.
Correct Answer: C. Market Control Policy (Bazar Reform)
Explanation: Alauddin established four separate markets (for grain, cloth, cattle, and general goods) with fixed prices, inspectors (Shahna-i-Mandi), and a special intelligence system to prevent profiteering.
6. Who among the following was Alauddin Khilji’s most famous military commander for campaigns in the Deccan?
Correct Answer: C. Malik Kafur
Explanation: Malik Kafur was a Hindu slave converted to Islam who became Alauddin’s most capable general, leading successful campaigns deep into the Deccan and South India.
7. Alauddin Khilji successfully repelled the Mongol invasions of India. How many times did the Mongols invade during his reign?
Correct Answer: C. About 4–5 major invasions
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji successfully repelled multiple major Mongol invasions – in 1297, 1298, 1299, 1303, and 1305 AD – which were among the largest Mongol offensives into India.
8. The battle in which Alauddin Khilji defeated the Mongols at Amroha was fought in _____.
Correct Answer: C. 1305
Explanation: The Battle of Amroha (1305 AD) was one of Alauddin’s greatest military victories, in which his general Malik Kafur and Ghazi Malik inflicted a crushing defeat on the Mongol invaders.
9. Alauddin Khilji’s famous agricultural tax reforms set the land revenue at _____.
Correct Answer: C. One-half of produce
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji increased the land tax to 50% of agricultural produce, which was very high, to fund his large standing army needed to repel Mongol invasions and his vast empire.
10. Alauddin Khilji conquered Rajputana and famously besieged the fort of _____.
Correct Answer: C. Chittorgarh (Chittor)
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji besieged and captured Chittorgarh (Chittor) in 1303 AD after a prolonged siege. This event is associated with the legendary Rani Padmini and the Jauhar (mass self-immolation) of Rajput women.
11. The legend of Rani Padmini is associated with Alauddin Khilji’s siege of _____.
Correct Answer: B. Chittorgarh
Explanation: The legend of Rani Padmini (Padmavati), who performed Jauhar to avoid capture, is associated with the siege of Chittorgarh by Alauddin Khilji in 1303 AD. This was later immortalized in Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s poem “Padmavat.”
12. Alauddin Khilji’s general Malik Kafur reached as far south as _____.
Correct Answer: C. Cape Comorin (southern tip of India)
Explanation: Malik Kafur’s 1310–1311 campaign reached the Pandya kingdom in the far south near Cape Comorin (Kanyakumari), the southern tip of India – the furthest north Indian Muslim armies had ever penetrated.
13. Alauddin Khilji’s policy of “Dagh” and “Huliya” was related to _____.
Correct Answer: C. Military organization (branding horses and recording descriptions of soldiers)
Explanation: Alauddin introduced “Dagh” (branding of horses) and “Huliya” (recording physical descriptions of soldiers) to prevent fraud and ensure soldiers maintained proper horses and equipment.
14. The fort of Siri in Delhi was built by _____.
Correct Answer: C. Alauddin Khilji
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji built the Siri Fort (also called Siri City) as his new capital in Delhi to protect against Mongol raids. It is the second of Delhi’s seven cities.
15. Alauddin Khilji’s famous wine ban and other social restrictions were motivated by _____.
Correct Answer: B. To maintain discipline and military efficiency
Explanation: Alauddin banned wine drinking and social gatherings of nobles, not purely for religious reasons but primarily to prevent conspiracies against him and maintain discipline in his empire.
16. The famous poet Amir Khusrow was associated with the court of _____.
Correct Answer: C. Multiple Delhi Sultans including Balban, Alauddin Khilji, and others
Explanation: Amir Khusrow (1253–1325) was the “Parrot of India” who served at the courts of multiple Delhi Sultans, most famously Alauddin Khilji, and is considered a pioneer of Urdu/Hindustani music and literature.
17. Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji was murdered by his nephew _____.
Correct Answer: A. Alauddin Khilji
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji lured his uncle and father-in-law Sultan Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji to Kara near Allahabad under the pretext of welcoming him and had him killed in 1296 AD.
18. The Alai Darwaza (Gateway of Ala) was built as an entrance to the _____.
Correct Answer: C. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (Qutb complex)
Explanation: The Alai Darwaza was built by Alauddin Khilji in 1311 AD as the southern entrance to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque complex at Qutb. It is considered a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture.
19. Hauz-i-Alai (also Hauz-i-Khas), the famous reservoir in Delhi, was built by _____.
Correct Answer: B. Alauddin Khilji
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji built the large reservoir “Hauz-i-Alai” (later known as Hauz Khas) in Delhi to provide water for his new capital city of Siri and its large population.
20. The last ruler of the Khilji dynasty was _____.
Correct Answer: C. Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah Khilji
Explanation: Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah Khilji was the last ruler of the Khilji dynasty. He was murdered by Khusraw Khan in 1320 AD, which led to Ghazi Malik (Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq) overthrowing Khusraw and founding the Tughlaq dynasty.
21. Which of the following kingdoms in South India was conquered by Malik Kafur for Alauddin Khilji?
Correct Answer: B. Devagiri (Yadava kingdom), Warangal (Kakatiya), and Madurai (Pandya)
Explanation: Malik Kafur conquered the Yadava kingdom of Devagiri (1307), the Kakatiyas of Warangal (1309), and attacked the Hoysalas and Pandyas (1310–1311) in a series of campaigns across the Deccan and South India.
22. The Khilji dynasty is historically significant because it _____.
Correct Answer: B. Extended Muslim rule to the Deccan and South India for the first time
Explanation: The Khilji Dynasty, particularly under Alauddin Khilji, extended Muslim political influence for the first time into the Deccan and deep into South India through Malik Kafur’s campaigns.
23. The Khilji rulers were of _____origin.
Correct Answer: C. Turkic (Khilji tribe)
Explanation: The Khilji (Khilji) were a Turkic tribe that had settled in Afghanistan and adopted Afghan customs. They were considered distinct from the “pure” Turks of the earlier Slave dynasties.
24. What did Alauddin Khilji do after acquiring the wealth of Devagiri?
Correct Answer: A. Used it to bribe soldiers and buy loyalty for his coup against Jalaluddin Khilji
Explanation: Alauddin raided Devagiri (without the sultan’s permission) in 1296 and used the immense loot to bribe soldiers and the army, giving him the financial power to overthrow Jalaluddin Khilji and seize the throne.
25. Alauddin Khilji’s title “Alexander of the age” (Sikandar-i-Sani) was adopted by him in _____.
Correct Answer: C. About 1305 AD
Explanation: After his great victories against the Mongols and in Rajputana, Alauddin adopted the megalomaniacal title “Sikandar-i-Sani” (Second Alexander) around 1305 AD.
26. Which Sufi saint advised Alauddin Khilji not to start a new religion?
Correct Answer: C. Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji sought advice from the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya on various matters including his thoughts of starting a new religion, which the saint strongly discouraged.
27. The Khilji rulers were able to recruit which new ethnic group into the military, unlike the previous Slave Dynasty?
Correct Answer: C. Native Indians (Hindus and Muslim converts)
Explanation: The Khiljis broke the monopoly of “racial Turks” in state service and opened up positions to non-Turks, including native Indian Muslims, Afghans, and even Hindus who converted, broadening the base of the sultanate.
28. Amir Khusrow wrote which famous historical poem about Alauddin Khilji’s military campaigns?
Correct Answer: B. Khazain-ul-Futuh (Treasure of Victories)
Explanation: Amir Khusrow wrote “Khazain-ul-Futuh” (also known as “Ta’rikh-i-Alai”) which describes Alauddin’s military victories including his campaigns in the Deccan and against the Mongols.
29. Alauddin Khilji banned _____ to prevent nobles from conspiring against him.
Correct Answer: B. Social gatherings, wine, and inter-marriage between nobles without his permission
Explanation: To prevent conspiracies, Alauddin banned wine, social meetings of nobles, and marriages between noble families without his personal consent, tightly controlling the social lives of the aristocracy.
30. Alauddin Khilji set up a network of spies called _____ to watch over his nobles and market officials.
Correct Answer: C. Munhiyan (informers/detectives)
Explanation: Alauddin maintained a highly efficient espionage system using “munhiyan” (secret informers) who reported to him directly about the activities of nobles, market traders, and officials.
31. The famous poet Amir Khusrow invented which musical instrument?
Correct Answer: C. Sitar is attributed to him (others say tabla); most reliably associated with inventing/developing the khayal style of music
Explanation: Amir Khusrow (1253–1325) is credited with numerous contributions to Hindustani classical music, Qawwali, Ghazal, and the development of the sitar and tabla, though all such claims are debated by musicologists.
32. Under the Khilji dynasty, the Delhi Sultanate reached its greatest geographical extent. Which region was NOT included?
Correct Answer: D. Kashmir (it remained independent)
Explanation: While the Delhi Sultanate under the Khiljis reached its greatest extent, Kashmir remained independent of direct Khilji control, as did other peripheral regions like Assam.
33. After Alauddin Khilji’s death in 1316 AD, who effectively controlled the sultanate for a brief period?
Correct Answer: B. Malik Kafur (as regent)
Explanation: After Alauddin’s death in January 1316, Malik Kafur acted as regent for the infant Shihab-ud-din Umar Khilji, but was himself killed shortly after by palace guards loyal to other Khilji princes.
34. Alauddin Khilji is considered the most powerful Delhi Sultan because _____.
Correct Answer: B. He repelled Mongols, conquered most of India, and maintained strong administrative control
Explanation: Alauddin’s combinations of military strategy (defeating Mongols), territorial expansion (all of Rajputana, Deccan, South India), economic reforms and powerful administrative control made him the strongest Delhi Sultan.
35. Before ascending the throne, Alauddin Khilji was the governor of _____.
Correct Answer: C. Kara (near Allahabad)
Explanation: Before seizing the throne, Alauddin Khilji served as the governor of Kara (near Allahabad). It was from Kara that he organized his unauthorized raid on Devagiri before killing his uncle-sultan.
36. The Khilji dynasty’s rule ended when which general overthrew the last Khilji ruler?
Correct Answer: C. Ghazi Malik (Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq)
Explanation: Ghazi Malik (who became Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq after his victory) killed Khusraw Khan (who had himself killed the last Khilji ruler Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah) and founded the Tughlaq dynasty in 1320 AD.
37. Alauddin Khilji set prices for goods sold in his markets using officials called _____.
Correct Answer: B. Shahna-i-Mandi (Market Controller)
Explanation: Alauddin appointed “Shahna-i-Mandi” (market superintendents) at each market to enforce price controls, punish cheating merchants (with cutting off of hands), and report directly to the sultan.
38. The Khilji period is known for which cultural development in Indian music?
Correct Answer: B. Synthesis of Indian and Persian musical traditions through Amir Khusrow
Explanation: Amir Khusrow, who flourished under the Khilji patronage, pioneered the fusion of Indian (Hindu) and Persian/Iranian musical traditions, laying the foundation of classical Hindustani music.
39. Alauddin Khilji’s revenue policy in agriculture included land measurement using _____.
Correct Answer: B. Biswa measurement (measuring land area)
Explanation: Alauddin introduced systematic land measurement using the “biswa” (a unit of area) to accurately assess land and ensure fair revenue collection, replacing the earlier approximation methods.
40. The siege and capture of Ranthambore fort by Alauddin Khilji was in the year _____.
Correct Answer: A. 1301 AD
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji captured the mighty Ranthambore fort in 1301 AD from the Chauhan ruler Hammiradeva, who died defending it. This was Alauddin’s first major Rajput conquest.
41. The term “Dagh” in Alauddin Khilji’s military reforms referred to _____.
Correct Answer: C. Branding (marking) of horses
Explanation: “Dagh” literally means “brand” – Alauddin required all cavalry horses to be branded with the royal mark to prevent soldiers from substituting inferior horses during review, ensuring military quality.
42. The battle of Kili (1299 AD), in which the Mongols were repelled, was won by Alauddin Khilji’s general _____.
Correct Answer: B. Zafar Khan
Explanation: Zafar Khan (Alp Khan) was the hero of early Mongol repulsions. At the Battle of Kili (1299), Zafar Khan performed brilliantly but was killed in the battle, though the Mongols were ultimately repelled.
43. Malik Kafur was originally _____.
Correct Answer: B. A Hindu slave purchased for 1,000 dinars (Hazar Dinari)
Explanation: Malik Kafur was originally a Hindu eunuch slave from Gujarat, purchased by Nusrat Khan for 1,000 dinars (hence nicknamed “Hazar Dinari”). He converted to Islam and rose to become Alauddin’s most trusted general and malik naib (deputy sultan).
44. The Khilji rulers are significant for _____.
Correct Answer: B. Breaking the monopoly of Turkish nobles by providing opportunities to non-Turks
Explanation: The Khilji revolution (1290) ended the exclusive dominance of Turks in the Delhi Sultanate’s administration and military, opening these to non-Turkish Muslims, Afghans, and Indian converts – representing a democratization of the sultanate.
45. Which famous cloth market set up by Alauddin Khilji in Delhi was known as “Sarai Adl”?
Correct Answer: B. The cloth and textile market (one of the four markets)
Explanation: Alauddin’s “Sarai Adl” (House of Justice) was the second of his four controlled market places, exclusively for the sale of cloth and textiles at fixed government-controlled prices.
46. During Alauddin Khilji’s reign, what happened to the Hindu revenue officials (Khuts, Muqaddams, Chaudharis)?
Correct Answer: C. They were taxed heavily and their privileges were curtailed
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji deliberately targeted the rural intermediaries (khuts, muqaddams, chaudharis) who had maintained wealth and privileges, making them pay jizya and confiscating their extra perquisites to standardize revenue collection.
47. Alauddin Khilji’s market for grain was established at _____.
Correct Answer: B. Siri (near the old grain market)
Explanation: Alauddin’s first and most important market (“Mandi” or grain market) was established at Siri, his new capital city, where grain prices were strictly controlled.
48. The Khilji dynasty’s rise in 1290 replaced which dynasty?
Correct Answer: C. Slave (Mamluk) dynasty
Explanation: The Slave (Mamluk) dynasty (1206–1290) was replaced by the Khilji dynasty when Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji seized power from the last Slave sultan Muizuddin Qaiqabad in 1290 AD.
49. The term “Khilji Revolution” refers to _____.
Correct Answer: B. The replacement of Turkish aristocracy’s monopoly on power by the Khiljis (non-racial Turks)
Explanation: K.A. Nizami coined the term “Khilji Revolution” for the 1290 change of dynasty that ended the exclusive Turkish dominance in the Delhi Sultanate, allowing non-Turks to rise to high positions.
50. Alauddin Khilji died in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1316
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji died on 4 January 1316 AD, likely from a chronic illness (dropsy), after a long illness during which Malik Kafur had effectively taken over administration.
51. Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji was murdered near which city?
Correct Answer: C. Kara (Allahabad)
Explanation: Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji was lured to Kara (near modern Allahabad) by his nephew Alauddin under the false pretext of a welcoming ceremony and was assassinated there in 1296 AD.
52. What was Ghiyasuddin Balban’s relationship to the Khilji dynasty?
Correct Answer: C. He was the last powerful ruler of the Slave dynasty, predecessor to the Khiljis
Explanation: Ghiyasuddin Balban (r. 1266–1287) was the last great ruler of the Slave dynasty. After Balban’s death and the brief reign of his weak successors, the Khiljis overthrew the dynasty in 1290 AD.
53. The main source of historical information about Alauddin Khilji’s reign is found in _____.
Correct Answer: B. Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi and Khazain-ul-Futuh
Explanation: Ziauddin Barani’s “Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi” and Amir Khusrow’s “Khazain-ul-Futuh” are the primary historical sources for the reign of Alauddin Khilji.
54. Ziauddin Barani, who wrote about Alauddin Khilji’s reign, served in which capacity?
Correct Answer: C. Court historian during the later part of the Tughlaq period (writing retrospectively)
Explanation: Ziauddin Barani wrote “Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi” during the reign of Firuz Shah Tughlaq, covering events from Balban’s reign through the early Tughlaq period including a detailed account of Alauddin Khilji.
55. The Khilji ruled Delhi for approximately _____.
Correct Answer: B. 30 years (1290–1320)
Explanation: Despite their relatively brief 30-year rule (1290–1320), the Khilji dynasty left an enormous impact on Indian history through military expansion, administrative reforms, and defense against the Mongols.
56. Alauddin Khilji reduced the price of horses by _____.
Correct Answer: A. Setting a maximum price of 100–120 tankas for a horse
Explanation: Alauddin’s market reforms fixed the maximum price for horses at 100–120 silver tankas, down from 800–1200 tankas, enabling even soldiers of modest means to maintain cavalry horses and expanding his military capacity.
57. The Mongol invasion of 1303 AD reached as far as _____.
Correct Answer: B. Delhi itself (Siri Fort)
Explanation: The 1303 Mongol invasion under Taraghai came closest to actually capturing Delhi, reaching the outskirts of the city. Alauddin sheltered behind the walls of Siri Fort and the Mongols withdrew after some time due to supply problems.
58. The last Khilji ruler, Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah, was killed by _____.
Correct Answer: B. Khusraw Khan (Hasan)
Explanation: Khusraw Khan (originally a Hindu slave-convert named Hasan) killed the last Khilji sultan Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah in 1320 AD. Khusraw Khan was himself killed shortly after by Ghazi Malik (Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq).
59. Alauddin Khilji’s conquest of Malwa and Gujarat (1298) was led by _____.
Correct Answer: C. Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan
Explanation: Alauddin sent Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan to conquer Gujarat in 1298 AD. During this campaign, Nusrat Khan purchased Malik Kafur from Gujarat, who later became Alauddin’s most renowned general.
60. How many markets (mandis) did Alauddin Khilji establish in Delhi?
Correct Answer: C. Four
Explanation: Alauddin established four separate markets: (1) Mandi for grain, (2) Sarai Adl for cloth, (3) a market for horses, cattle, and slaves, and (4) a general market for misc. goods like oil and sugar. Each had fixed prices and official inspectors.