Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Balban made his government firm id 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:

The Correct answer is Option 2. 

Key Points

• Assertion (A): Balban made his government firm and centralized all authority in his hands. 

  • Balban, the Sultan of Delhi, centralized power during his reign (1266-1287). He consolidated authority in his hands by strengthening the role of the Sultan and reducing the power of the nobility (known as the Chihalgani). He implemented strict administrative and military measures to strengthen his control. Hence True. 

• Reason (R): He wanted to protect the north-west frontier against Mongol invasions.

  • Balban’s emphasis on centralization was partly due to the constant threat of Mongol invasions from the north-west frontier. He focused on military preparedness and fortifying the borders to prevent Mongol incursions. Hence True. 

• Why (R) is not the correct explanation of (A):

  • (R) provides one reason for Balban’s centralization but does not entirely explain the firmness with which Balban centralized power. While military threats played a role, other factors like internal stability and control over the nobility were also critical. Hence, (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).