In Deccan history, Chand Bibi is best known as the ruler and regent of which sultanate?

Introduction / Context:
Chand Bibi is a celebrated figure in Deccan history, remembered for her courage and leadership in defending her kingdom against Mughal invasions. She served as regent for a minor ruler and personally led the defence of the capital. This question tests knowledge of which Deccan sultanate she is primarily associated with.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks about the sultanate ruled or defended by Chand Bibi.
• The options include Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Satara, Golconda and Berar.
• We must recall her role as regent and defender of a specific Deccan kingdom.

Concept / Approach:
Chand Bibi is best known as the regent of Ahmednagar, where she defended the fort of Ahmednagar against Mughal forces in the late sixteenth century. Though she had connections with other Deccan states, her heroic stand is primarily linked with Ahmednagar. Recognising this association allows us to pick the correct option confidently.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard histories of the Deccan sultanates mention Chand Bibi as the heroic queen of Ahmednagar who negotiated and fought with the Mughals. While she was related to other Deccan royal families, the episode that appears in school and competitive exam books is clearly set in Ahmednagar. This double check confirms the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Bijapur: Chand Bibi was born a princess here, but she is not primarily remembered as ruling this sultanate.
• Satara: A later Maratha centre, not a Deccan sultanate connected with Chand Bibi.
• Golconda: A separate Deccan kingdom under the Qutb Shahi dynasty, not the seat of Chand Bibi's regency.
• Berar: Another Deccan region, but not the main kingdom where she acted as regent and defender.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Chand Bibi had familial ties across Deccan royal houses, students sometimes misremember her as associated with Bijapur. The safest approach is to connect her famous defence of the fort and her regency specifically with Ahmednagar.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Ahmednagar.