Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the Lodhi Kingdom:
- It was founded by Bahlol Lodhi.
- The Lodhis were Afghans in origin.
- Lodhi kingdom fought with the Sharqi kingdom and Mewar for the domination of North India.
Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer:
All of the above
Notes: After the Timurid invasion of Delhi, a new dynasty arose, the Saiyid dynasty. Meanwhile, a number of Afghan Sardars had established themselves in Punjab, among them was Bahlol Lodhi, who had been granted the Iqta of Sirhind. Bahlol Lodhi was invited by the Saiyid rulers of Delhi to help against an impending attack by the rulers of Malwa. But, Bahlol Lodhi decided to stay on. Gradually, he took over the control of Delhi. Bahlol crowned himself when the ruler of Delhi died in exile. Thus, the Lodhi Kingdom was started. So, statement 1 is correct. As distinct from the earlier Delhi rulers who were Turks, the Lodhis were Afghans. Before the Lodhis, very few Afghan nobles had been accorded important positions in the Delhi Sultanate, even though the Afghans had formed a large group in the Delhi Sultanate army. Bahlol Lodhi invited the Afghans of Roh to come to India so that they could get rid of the ignominy of poverty and he would gain ascendancy. So, statement 2 is also correct. This invitation attracted a large number of Afghans into India and it enabled Bahlol to defeat the Sharqis. Next ruler of the Lodhi Kingdom, Sikandar Lodhi prepared the kingdom to fight the neighbouring powers like Mewar of Rana Sanga and Gujarat of Mahmud Begarha. To create a favourable situation for himself in the Eastern Rajasthan and Malwa area, he brought the Khan of Nagaur under his protection. His successor, Ibrahim led an unsuccessful campaign against Mewar. So, statement 3 is also correct.