UPSC CSE Prelims 2000

Medieval Indian Timeline

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Consider the following events: 1. Reign of Krishna Deva of Vijayanagara 2. Construction of Qutb Minar 3. Arrival of Portuguese in India 4. Death of Firuz Tughluq The correct chronological sequence of these events is:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Chronological sequence questions require precise knowledge of landmark dates in Medieval Indian history, spanning the Early Sultanate to the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Explanation Qutb Minar construction began in 1206 (Early Sultanate). Firuz Tughluq died in 1388 (Late Tughluq era). The Portuguese arrived in 1498 (Lodi era). Krishna Deva Raya's reign began in 1509 (Tuluva dynasty).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Qutb Minar (1206) is the earliest event, followed by the decline of the Tughluqs marked by Firuz Shah's death in 1388.
Logic 2: The transition to the Early Modern period is marked by Vasco da Gama's arrival (1498), followed shortly by the zenith of Vijayanagara under Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1529).

Active Recall

Question

How did the death of Firuz Shah Tughluq impact the Delhi Sultanate?

Answer

His death triggered a succession crisis and political instability that ultimately left the Sultanate vulnerable to Timur’s invasion in 1398.

Core Insight

The 15th century (between the Tughluqs and Mughals) was a period of decentralization where regional powers like Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates flourished.