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?
Explanation
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The first Mongol invasion of India occurred in 1221 CE under Genghis Khan during the reign of Shamsuddin Iltutmish, not Jalal-ud-din Khalji. Jalal-ud-din Khalji ruled much later, from 1290 to 1296 CE.
Statement 2 is Correct: During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji (1296–1316 CE), the Mongols invaded several times. In 1303 CE, a Mongol army of about 120,000 horsemen led by Targhi marched up to Delhi and besieged the city, forcing Ala-ud-din to take shelter in the Siri Fort.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq defeated the Mongols (led by Tarmashirin) early in his reign. Instead of losing territory, he took steps to secure the frontier and even planned a 'Khurasan expedition' to mobilize against Mongol territories, though it was later abandoned.