U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2014

Sultanate Frontier Defense

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

What was the boundary between the Delhi Sultan and Mongols during the period of Alauddin Khalji after 1306 A.D.?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Alauddin Khilji's military brilliance was evident in his ability to push the Mongol threat back to the northwest and establish a semi-permanent military frontier.

Explanation After the decisive defeats of the Mongols in 1305 and 1306 (at the battles of Amroha and Ravi), the Ravi River was established as the effective boundary, with the Sultanate's frontier posts guarding the river line.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Before 1306, Mongols frequently raided deep into Punjab and even reached Delhi.
Logic 2: Post-1306, the defensive works and aggressive patrolling by Ghazi Malik (the future Ghiyasuddin Tughluq) ensured that the Mongols remained beyond the Ravi.

Active Recall

Question

Who was the general responsible for guarding the North-West frontier for Alauddin?

Answer

Ghazi Malik was appointed as the 'Warden of the Marches' and successfully repelled multiple Mongol incursions.

Core Insight

The stabilization of the Ravi frontier allowed Alauddin to focus his resources on the conquest of Southern India.