Understanding Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq's Role Under Ala-ud-din Khilji

The question asks about the region where Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq served as governor during the rule of Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji. To answer this, we need to recall the administrative structure and key figures of the Delhi Sultanate during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, originally known as Ghazi Malik, was a prominent military commander and administrator who rose through the ranks during the reign of the Khilji dynasty, particularly under Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji. He played a significant role in defending the Sultanate's frontiers, especially against the Mongol invasions.

Historical accounts indicate that Ghazi Malik (later Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq) held important charges during Ala-ud-din Khilji's time. His responsibility for border defense, especially in the northwest, led to him being appointed to a crucial administrative position in that region.

Specifically, during the reign of Ala-ud-din Khilji, Ghazi Malik was appointed as the governor of a strategically important province in the northwest part of the Sultanate. This region was vital for defense against external threats.

Based on historical records, Ghazi Malik served as the governor of the province of Punjab.

His successful defense of Punjab against multiple Mongol invasions earned him considerable fame and influence, paving the way for his eventual rise to the throne after the decline of the Khilji dynasty and the brief, chaotic rule of Khusrau Khan.

Key Details of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq's Governorship

• Name: Ghazi Malik (before becoming Sultan)
• Sultan Served Under: Ala-ud-din Khilji
• Position: Governor
• Region Governed: Punjab
• Key Role: Defending the northwestern frontier against Mongol invasions.

Analysis of Options

Let's look at the given options:

• Bengal: Bengal was often a semi-independent or rebellious province during much of the Sultanate period, but Ghazi Malik's primary area of operation and governorship was in the northwest.
• Rajasthan: Parts of Rajasthan were brought under Sultanate control, but the main governorship associated with Ghazi Malik during Ala-ud-din's reign was in the northwest frontier region.
• Kashmir: Kashmir was generally outside the direct control of the Delhi Sultanate during this period.
• Punjab: This region, particularly its western parts, was the frontline against Mongol invasions and was a crucial governorship often held by trusted military commanders like Ghazi Malik. Historical sources confirm his governorship of Dipalpur, a key area in Punjab, under Ala-ud-din Khilji.

Therefore, the region where Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq (Ghazi Malik) was governor during Ala-ud-din Khilji's reign was Punjab.

Revision Table: Delhi Sultanate Key Figures

Additional Information on Tughlaq Rise

Ghazi Malik's strong position and military reputation as the warden of the frontier in Punjab allowed him to gather support after the death of Ala-ud-din Khilji and the subsequent political instability. When Khusrau Khan seized power, Ghazi Malik led an army from Punjab towards Delhi, defeated Khusrau Khan, and ascended the throne in 1320, adopting the title Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. This marked the beginning of the Tughlaq dynasty.