UPPCS Prelims 2022

Khalji Military Campaigns

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Arrange the following conquests of Alauddin Khilji in chronological order: 1. Ranthambor 2. Gujarat 3. Warangal 4. Chittor Select the correct answer from the code given below.

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Alauddin Khilji's reign was defined by aggressive expansionism. He first consolidated North India before launching expeditions into the Deccan.

Explanation Chronicles record Gujarat (1299), Ranthambor (1301), and Chittor (1303) as his major Northern conquests. His southern campaigns, led by Malik Kafur, reached Warangal later in 1309-10.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Gujarat was the first target due to its coastal wealth.
Logic 2: Ranthambor and Chittor were subsequent Rajput campaigns to secure the heartland.
Logic 3: Warangal was a later Deccan expedition, marking the second phase of his military career.

Active Recall

Question

What was the significance of the Gujarat conquest?

Answer

It provided Alauddin with a major seaport and massive wealth, and it was here that Malik Kafur was captured.

Core Insight

The chronological progression shows a shift from terrestrial expansion in the North to wealth-extraction raids in the South.