RAS question
The Tughlaq dynasty was founded by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in which year?
Correct answer: (A) 1320.
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, also known as Ghazi Malik, founded the Tughlaq dynasty in 1320 after overthrowing Khusrau Khan, the last Khilji ruler.
Explanation
The founding year is 1320 because Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq took the throne of the Delhi Sultanate that year after overthrowing Khusrau Khan, the last king of the Khilji dynasty. INFLIBNET e-PG Pathshala identifies Ghiyasuddin as the founder in 1320 and gives his reign as 1320-1325. This is the standard succession point in Delhi Sultanate chronology: the Khilji phase ends in 1320, and the Tughlaq phase begins with Ghiyasuddin. Ghiyasuddin was also known as Ghazi Malik and built Tughlaqabad near Delhi, a fortified city meant to protect the Sultanate from Mongol attacks.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) 1325 marks the end of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's reign and the accession period of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, not the founding of the dynasty.
- (C) 1290 belongs to the start of the preceding Khilji phase, whereas the Tughlaq dynasty began only after the Khiljis were displaced in 1320.
- (D) 1351 is associated with Firoz Shah Tughlaq's accession after Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, long after Ghiyasuddin had founded the dynasty.
Concept
This tests Delhi Sultanate chronology, especially the sequence from Khilji to Tughlaq rule. RAS repeats such questions because dynastic transitions anchor medieval Indian history timelines.