upscools
UPSC CSE Prelims 1999

Lodi Dynasty Expansion

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

To which Lodi Sultan does the given map relate and what town lies the side marked A on the map represent?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Bahlul Lodi, the founder of the Lodi dynasty, sought to reclaim the lost prestige of the Sultanate by subjugating rebellious regional kingdoms like the Sharqi Sultanate of Jaunpur.

Explanation Historical records show that in 1479, Bahlul Lodi decisively defeated Hussain Shah Sharqi and annexed Jaunpur, which had been independent for nearly 80 years.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The map represents the early Lodi expansion toward the East. Jaunpur was the most significant rival to Delhi in that region.
Logic 2: Bahlul Lodi’s greatest military achievement was the destruction of the Sharqi power, making Jaunpur a key administrative center under his son, Barbak Shah.

Active Recall

Question

Why was Jaunpur called the 'Shiraz of the East'?

Answer

Under the Sharqi rulers, it became a major center for Islamic art, architecture, and learning, rivaling the cultural glory of Shiraz in Persia.

Core Insight

The annexation of Jaunpur by Bahlul Lodi marked the end of the most powerful regional challenger to Delhi's authority in Northern India.

Practice Navigation