UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies
Question 2: History and Culture
After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the grand title of
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Balban, Sultan of Delhi from 1266 to 1287, raised the Sultan's dignity by calling himself Zil-i-Ilahi, the shadow of God. He brought in the court practices of sijda (prostration) and paibos (kissing the feet), and the Persian festival Nauroz, to set the Sultan far above the nobles. Remember: Tuti-i-Hind belongs to Amir Khusrau, Kaisar-i-Hind is a British-era title, and Din-i-Ilahi is Akbar's faith.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Tuti-i-Hind, the parrot of India, is the title of the poet Amir Khusrau.
- (b) Kaisar-i-Hind (Emperor or Empress of India) is a British-era title, not a Sultanate one.
- (c) Right: Balban claimed to be the shadow of God and made his court ceremonial to match.
- (d) Din-i-Ilahi was Akbar's code of 1582, not a title Balban took.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.