Question

The first known ruler to introduce canal irrigation in India was ___________.
A. Krishnadevaraya
B. Firoz Tughlaq
C. Akbar
D. Tipu Sultan

Answer 1

Hint: The ruler who introduced canal irrigation in India was a Muslim ruler who reigned over the sultanate of Delhi. In Hisar, he dug five major canals including the renovation of Western Yamuna Canal.

Complete answer: The first known ruler to introduce canal irrigation in India was Firoz Shah Tughlaq. He built the biggest network of canal and other infrastructure because he had a special interest in strengthening the infrastructure of the empire. He is considered as the father or irrigation system in India for channelizing rivers to provide water through canals. He dug five major canals, including the renovation of Prithviraj Chauhan era’s Western Yamuna canal, for irrigation projects to bring land under cultivation for growing grain and fruits.
Looking at the options given :
Option A. Krishnadevaraya was an emperor of the Vijayanagara empire who was an able administrator and general. It is an incorrect option.
Option B. Firoz Shah Tughlaq is the correct answer as he introduced many canal irrigation projects.
Option C. Akbar was a Mughal emperor and under his rule architecture flourished and places like Fatehpur Sikri, Ajmer fort and the Lahore fort are best of his works. It is an incorrect option.
Option D. Tipu Sultan was the ruler of Mysore also known as Tiger of Mysore. It is an incorrect option.
Therefore, option b is the right answer.

Note: Firoz Shah Tughlaq spent more time and money on city planning, roads, construction of public buildings and water channels. One of his works for storing water found in Feroz Shah Kotla. The baoli inside the Firozabad is the only circular baoli in Delhi.