Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Consider the following statements: **Assertion (A):** Alauddin's Deccan expeditions were financial ventures. **Reason (R):** He wanted to annex the Deccan States. Code:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
Alauddin Khalji was a pragmatic militarist. His policy toward the Deccan was distinct from his policy in North India; he preferred loot and tribute over direct administrative control.Explanation
Historical analysis by Satish Chandra confirms that Alauddin’s expeditions, led by Malik Kafur, were intended to acquire the immense wealth of the South to fund his army and defend against Mongols. He forced Southern kings to pay annual tribute but did not annex their lands.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Assertion (A) is true. The expeditions were primarily wealth-driven (gold, elephants, and jewels from Devagiri, Warangal, etc.).
Logic 2: Reason (R) is false. Alauddin realized that direct annexation of the South was geographically and logistically impossible from Delhi at the time. It was the later Tughlaqs who attempted annexation.