With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements:

The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.
Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his kingdom to Mongols.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

Explanation

Let’s analyze each statement:

Statement 1 is incorrect. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Iltutmish in 1221-22, when Genghis Khan reached the Indus river.
Statement 2 is correct. During Ala-ud-din Khalji’s reign in 1303, a Mongol army led by Taraghai besieged Delhi for over two months before withdrawing.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq did not lose any territories to the Mongols. In 1327, the Chagatai Mongols invaded and laid siege to Delhi, but lifted it after being paid a huge ransom.

In summary, only statement 2 is correct. The first Mongol invasion occurred during Iltutmish’s reign, while Muhammad Tughlaq averted losing territory by paying ransom. Ala-ud-din Khalji successfully defended Delhi against a major Mongol siege attempt.

Learn more

The Delhi Sultanate faced repeated Mongol invasions from Central Asia between the 13th-14th centuries.
The Mongols first invaded during Iltutmish’s reign in 1221-22. Jalal-ud-din Khalji also faced an invasion.
Seven major invasions occurred during Ala-ud-din Khalji’s reign from 1296-1316. However, he successfully defeated the Mongols each time.
In 1327, the Mongols invaded again under Muhammad Tughlaq, besieging Delhi until ransom was paid. No major invasions after this.
The Mongols failed to conquer India due to strong resistance from Delhi Sultanate rulers like Ala-ud-din Khalji.
Mongol invasions declined after 1335 as their empire weakened and the Delhi Sultanate grew stronger.