A fourteenth-century traveller from North Africa crossed Central Asia overland and reached Sind. He had heard that the Sultan of Delhi was a generous patron of arts and letters, so he went on to Delhi through Multan and Uch. The Sultan was impressed by his learning and gave him a high post, which he held for several years until he fell out of favour. Later the Sultan sent him as envoy to the Mongol ruler of China. On the way he went down to the Malabar coast, crossed by sea to a place where he stayed for eighteen months, and then went on to Sri Lanka.
Which post did the Sultan give the traveller in Delhi?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Qazi or judge of Delhi
Option (1) Muhtasib or censor of public morals — Incorrect. The muhtasib watched public conduct and markets. Ibn Battuta held the judge's post.
Option (2) Kotwal or police chief of Delhi — Incorrect. The kotwal kept order in a town as police chief. Ibn Battuta, a scholar of law, received the judge's post instead.
Option (3) Wazir or chief minister — Incorrect. The wazir headed the Sultan's finances and government. Ibn Battuta never held this office.
Option (4) Qazi or judge of Delhi — Correct. Muhammad bin Tughlaq valued Ibn Battuta's scholarship and made him the qazi or judge of Delhi, a post he held for several years.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.1 An early globe-trotter … |