Option d is the correct answer The passage describes Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Battuta, commonly known as Ibn Battuta, as the world's greatest premodern traveler. He embarked on a journey spanning almost 30 years, covering about 44 modern countries and around 73,000 miles. His extensive travels included North Africa, the Middle East, East and South Asia, China, and more, totaling approximately 117 , 000 k m 117,000 km. Important Tips Megasthenes (c. 350-290 BCE): Megasthenes was an ancient Greek historian, explored and chronicled India during the Hellenistic era. He served as an envoy under Seleucus I Nicator, visiting Chandragupta Maurya's court in Pataliputra. His account of India, noted in the lost work "Indica," provided insights into its geography, rivers, and culture. Scholars have differing opinions on his reliability, with Arrian favoring him, while Strabo and Pliny criticized his fabulous tales. Faxian (337-422 CE): Faxian, also known as Fa-Hien, was a Chinese Buddhist monk who undertook a remarkable journey to India around 399 CE , spending 10 years there during the reign of Chandragupta II. He explored sacred sites, collected Buddhist texts, and documented his travels in "A Record of Buddhist Kingdoms." His memoirs offer insights into ancient Indian society, rituals, and Buddhism. He marveled at the benevolence, prosperity, and religious practices of Magadha. Faxian's writings are crucial for understanding early Indian Buddhism and its influence on East Asian traditions. 1.2 Other Examination Previous Years' Solution Solution (d) Exp) Option d is the correct answer. Conquests of Alauddin Khilji in chronological order: Gujarat (1299): In 1299, Alauddin dispatched Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan to Gujarat. Facing feeble resistance from Vaghela king Karna, they looted towns like Somnath and desecrated its temple. They captured Vaghela queen Kamala Devi and Malik Kafur, who later led Alauddin's southern campaigns. Alauddin's victory extended his control over Gujarat, adding to his empire's wealth and resources. Ranthambor (1301): In 1301, Alauddin commanded Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan to attack Ranthambore, where King Hammiradeva sheltered mutiny leaders. After Nusrat Khan's death, Alauddin led the siege and captured the fort in July 1301. This conquest demonstrated his military prowess and strengthened his rule in the northern regions. Chittor (1303): In the winter of 1302-1303, Alauddin led an army to conquer Chittor, capital of the Guhila kingdom ruled by Ratnasimha. After an eight-month-long siege, he captured Chittor, ordering a massacre of local Hindus. This conquest added to his wealth and territorial control, while showcasing his determination. Warangal (1309-10): In late 1309, Alauddin dispatched Malik Kafur to plunder Warangal, aided by Ramachandra. Kafur marched through Kakatiya territory in January 1310, ravaging towns en route. Following a month-long siege, Kakatiya king Prataparudra submitted, offering riches, possibly including the Koh-i-Noor diamond, as tribute to Alauddin.