Q. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Balban made his government firm and centralised all authority in his hands.
Reason (R): He wanted to protect the north-west frontier against Mongol invasions.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
b) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
c) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
d) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2024
Correct Answer: c) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation:
– Assertion (A): Balban, a prominent ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, indeed made his government firm and centralized all authority in his hands. He believed in the concept of kingship as a divine institution and worked to strengthen the Sultanate by consolidating power and eliminating any threats to his authority. He implemented strict policies to maintain law and order and suppressed rebellions to ensure a strong central government.
– Reason (R): Balban also took significant measures to protect the north-west frontier of his empire against Mongol invasions. The Mongols were a constant threat during his reign, and he fortified the frontier regions and maintained a strong military presence to counter their attacks.
Balban’s centralization of authority was primarily aimed at strengthening his rule and maintaining internal stability, not solely to address the Mongol threat. Therefore, the correct answer is c).
