UPSC Prelims 1998 · General Studies
Question 88: History and Culture
The Sultan of Delhi who is reputed to have built the biggest network of canals in India was
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-88) built the largest network of canals of any Sultan, for irrigation, including channels from the Yamuna and the Sutlej to Hisar and other dry districts, and founded towns such as Firozabad and Hisar-i-Firoza. He also collected a water tax (haqq-i-sharb). Iltutmish, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and Sikandar Lodi are not known for canal building on this scale.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Iltutmish is remembered for consolidating the Sultanate and the iqta system.
- (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq built Tughluqabad, not a canal network.
- (c) Right: Firoz Shah Tughlaq built the widest canal network.
- (d) Sikandar Lodi is remembered for founding Agra and for his policies, not canals.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.