Uttarakhand PCS (Pre) 2002

Historical Invasions of India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Arrange the following four foreign invasions in chronological order: 1. Ahmad Shah Abdali 2. Genghis Khan 3. Nadir Shah 4. Timur

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The history of medieval India was repeatedly interrupted by massive invasions from Central Asia and Persia. Tracking their timing is essential for understanding the collapses of the Sultanate and Mughal powers.

Explanation
Genghis Khan (1221): Reached the Indus during Iltutmish's reign.
Timur (1398): Devastated Delhi during the Tughlaq decline.
Nadir Shah (1739): Looted Delhi during the reign of Muhammad Shah Rangila.
Ahmad Shah Abdali (1748–1767): Fought the Marathas at the Third Battle of Panipat.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The timeline spans over 500 years, moving from the Mongol threat (13th century) to the Turco-Mongol invasion (14th century), and finally the Persian/Afghan invasions of the 18th century.
Logic 2: The correct sequence 2-4-3-1 maps these landmark historical disruptions accurately.

Active Recall

Question

Who was the ruler of Delhi when Timur invaded?

Answer

Mahmud Shah Tughlaq was the Sultan when Timur sacked Delhi in 1398.

Core Insight

Foreign invasions often targeted India during moments of internal dynastic weakness, serving as the final catalyst for the collapse of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.