Question

Who was ruling Delhi at the time of Babur's invasion?
A) Bahlul Lodhi
B) Daulat Khan Lodhi
C) Sikandar Lodhi
D) Ibrahim Lodi

Answer 1

Hint: Babur led four expeditions to India, all of which were unsuccessful. His fifth invasion, the Battle of Panipat, marked his victory and forever altered India's political history.

Complete answer:
Babur desired to establish an empire in India. In 1524, he was welcomed by Daulat Khan Lodi, a Lodhi dynasty traitor, to overthrow King Ibrahim Lodi. Daulat Khan believed Babur would destroy Ibrahim and return. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the first battle of Panipat in 1526, establishing the Mughal Empire.

Bahlul Lodhi: From 1451 to 1526, the Lodi dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate as an Afghan dynasty. When Bahlul Khan Lodi replaced the Sayyid dynasty, he founded the fifth and final dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Hence, this is not the correct answer.

Daulat Khan Lodhi: During the reign of Ibrahim Lodi, the last king of the Lodi dynasty, Daulat Khan Lodi ruled as the governor of Lahore. Hence, this is not the correct answer.

Sikandar Lodhi: Sikandar Lodi was the Afghan Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. After his father, Bahlul Lodi, died in July 1489, he became the next ruler of the Lodi dynasty. Hence, this is not the correct answer.

Ibrahim Lodi: In the battle of Panipat, Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi and formed the Mughal empire. At that time, the king of Delhi was Ibrahim Lodhi. Hence, this is the correct answer.

Therefore, the correct option is (D) Ibrahim Lodi.

Note: On the eve of Babur's invasion, India was split into many states that were constantly at odds. As a result of several states declaring independence, the Sultanate of Delhi had shrunk significantly. There was a lack of cooperation, and several factions competed for power.