UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 1: History and Culture

Alam Khan, one of those who invited Babar to invade India was

aAn uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a pretender to the throne of Delhi

bA cousin of Ibrahim Lodi who was ill-treated and expelled from the country

cThe father of Dilawar Khan to whom cruel treatment was meted out by Ibrahim Lodi

dA high official in Punjab province who was very much discontented with Ibrahim Lodi’s treatment to his tribe

AnswerThe answer is (a).

Alam Khan (Alauddin) was an uncle of Ibrahim Lodi, a son of Bahlol Lodi, and a claimant to the Delhi throne. Together with Daulat Khan Lodi, the governor of Punjab, he invited Babur to attack Ibrahim Lodi, which led to the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Remember the two inviters: Alam Khan, the disgruntled claimant, and Daulat Khan, the discontented Punjab governor whose son Dilawar Khan had been ill-treated at Ibrahim's court.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Correct: Alam Khan was Ibrahim's uncle and a pretender to the Delhi throne who invited Babur.
(b) He was Ibrahim's uncle, not a cousin.
(c) Dilawar Khan was Daulat Khan Lodi's son; Alam Khan was not his father.
(d) That describes Daulat Khan Lodi, the discontented governor of Punjab, not Alam Khan.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.