[Solved] Balban's Centralized Authority | Mongol Defense Strategy

Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Balban made his government firm stable and centralized all authority in his hands.
Reason (R): He wanted to protect North-West frontier against Mongol invasions.
Code:

[U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2013]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Balban's reign was characterized by the 'Blood and Iron' policy, aimed at both internal stability (suppressing the nobility) and external defense (Mongols).

Authentic Source Evidence

Balban dismantled the Chahalgani (The Forty) to centralize power. Simultaneously, he fortified the western borders and stayed in Delhi/nearby areas to respond quickly to Mongol raids.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Assertion (A) is true. Centralization was Balban's primary internal goal to restore the prestige of the crown.

Logic 2: Reason (R) is true. The Mongol threat was a constant external pressure that dictated much of his military posturing.

Logic 3: (R) does not explain (A). Centralization was not caused by the Mongols; it was a response to the weakness of his predecessors and the arrogance of the Turkish nobles.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did Balban refuse to expand his territory?"

He prioritized consolidation and the defense of the capital against the imminent Mongol threat over new conquests.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Balban's internal 'Blood and Iron' policy against nobles and his external defensive posture against Mongols were two parallel pillars of his survival strategy."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Chahalgani 5 Blood and Iron 3

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Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).Assertion (A): Balban made his government firm stable and centralized all authority in his hands.Reason (R): He wanted to protect North-West frontier against Mongol invasions.Code: