Tughlaq Reforms: 18 MCQs with answers

True

The token currency was indeed made of copper, and due to lack of regulation, it was easily forged, causing economic chaos.

False

The capital was shifted to Daulatabad but later abandoned due to various problems, and the capital was moved back to Delhi.

Expedition to Quarachil (Kangra)

Muhammad bin Tughlaq led an expedition to Quarachil in the Himalayas, which ended in disaster. The other options are associated with other rulers or campaigns.

Transfer of the capital from Delhi to Devagiri (Daulatabad)

Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted his capital from Delhi to Devagiri, renaming it Daulatabad, to better control the Deccan. This was a major administrative reform.

Copper coins; they were not properly regulated and were easily forged

Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced copper token currency without adequate control, leading to widespread forgery and economic chaos.

It caused a severe famine and rebellion in the Doab region

The heavy tax burden on the Doab (the land between the Ganges and Yamuna) coincided with a famine, leading to suffering and rebellion.

The people found the climate and conditions unsuitable and the move was reversed

The forced migration caused immense hardship, and the new capital lacked adequate water and infrastructure. Muhammad bin Tughlaq eventually had to abandon Daulatabad and return to Delhi.

Introduction of the 'ijara' system of revenue farming

The 'ijara' system was not introduced by Muhammad bin Tughlaq; it was later used by other rulers. His reforms included the Diwan-i-Kohi and Diwan-i-Mustakhraj.

To supervise agriculture and improve cultivation

The Diwan-i-Kohi was a department created to improve agricultural production, especially in the Doab, by providing loans and supervising cultivation.

A disastrous campaign that resulted in heavy losses due to terrain and weather

The Quarachil expedition was a failed attempt to conquer the Himalayan region, where the army suffered from harsh conditions and was forced to retreat.

They were subjected to higher taxes and harsh collection methods

Muhammad bin Tughlaq increased the land revenue and used strict measures to collect it, which burdened the peasants and led to revolts.

The government did not regulate the minting, leading to counterfeit coins

The token currency failed because the government could not prevent people from minting their own copper coins, flooding the market with forgeries.

It led to the decline of Delhi as a major city

The move to Daulatabad and the subsequent return left Delhi depopulated and weakened, contributing to its temporary decline.

To establish a second capital in the south

Muhammad bin Tughlaq's move to Devagiri (Daulatabad) was aimed at better controlling the southern territories, effectively making it a second capital.

The empire faced numerous rebellions and financial crises

Despite his intentions, Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reforms often failed, leading to rebellions, economic troubles, and weakening of the empire.

Creation of a standing army paid in cash

Muhammad bin Tughlaq attempted to create a standing army paid directly by the state, rather than relying on feudal levies, but this was financially unsustainable.

A department to recover revenue arrears and dues

The Diwan-i-Mustakhraj was specifically created to recover outstanding revenue, reflecting Muhammad bin Tughlaq's focus on financial administration.

He attempted to create a large standing army but failed due to financial strain

Muhammad bin Tughlaq tried to maintain a large standing army paid in cash, but the cost overwhelmed the treasury, leading to financial crisis.