In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer. 

Assertion: The Kings often wanted their tombs to be in the vicinity of Sufi shrines and hospices

Reason: It was believed that the auliya could intercede with God in order to improve the material and spiritual conditions of ordinary human beings.

Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

The correct answer is Option 1- Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Kings did not simply need to demonstrate their association with sufis; they also required legitimation from them. When the Turks set up the Delhi Sultanate, they resisted the insistence of the ulama on imposing shari‘a as state law because they anticipated opposition from their subjects, the majority of whom were non-Muslims. The Sultans then sought out the sufis – who derived their authority directly from God – and did not depend on jurists to interpret the shari‘a. Besides, it was believed that the auliya could intercede with God in order to improve the material and spiritual conditions of ordinary human beings. This explains why kings often wanted their tombs to be in the vicinity of sufi shrines and hospices. However, there were instances of conflict between the Sultans and the sufis. To assert their authority, both expected that certain rituals be performed such as prostration and kissing of the feet. Occasionally the sufi shaikh was addressed with high-sounding titles.