With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements:1.The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.2.During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.3.Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his kingdom to Mongols.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A

   1 and 2

   1 and 2. The first Mongol inroads into India predate Jalal-ud-din Khalji (Iltutmish’s time).

2. B

   2 only

   2 only. Alauddin Khalji faced a Mongol host that reached and besieged Delhi. Statements 1 and 3 do not hold as framed.

3. C

   1 and 3

   1 and 3. Both over-date or over-claim.

4. D

   3 only

   3 only. Tughluq did not ‘temporarily lose the north-west to Mongols’ as a standard fact here.

Summary. Official key is (b) 2 only. Mongol pressure on the north-west began under the early Delhi Sultans, not first under Jalal-ud-din. In Alauddin’s reign Qutlugh Khwaja’s army came up to Delhi. Muhammad bin Tughluq’s north-west story is not keyed as a Mongol occupation in this item.