Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This assertion–reason question is from medieval Indian history and concerns the Delhi Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq. He is often described in textbooks with the phrase “wisest fool” because of the contrast between his ambitious ideas and their poor execution. The question checks whether students remember both the label and the reason behind it.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Muhammad bin Tughluq introduced several bold policies such as shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and experimenting with token currency. Many historians think some of his ideas had logic or foresight, but his way of carrying them out was impractical and caused hardship. The nickname “wisest fool” captures this contradiction between thoughtful planning and poor implementation.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate Assertion (A). History textbooks often mention that Muhammad bin Tughluq has been called a “wisest fool” by historians. This phrase is used to summarise his unusual combination of intelligence and impracticality. So A is true.Step 2: Evaluate Reason (R). The reason states that he had wise plans but implemented them foolishly. For example, the idea of a second capital closer to the Deccan was not entirely unreasonable, but forcing a mass migration and then reversing the decision created chaos. Similarly, token currency had some modern sounding logic but failed due to poor control and counterfeiting. This description agrees with standard interpretations.Step 3: Thus R is also true and reflects the common historical judgement about him.Step 4: Check whether R explains A. The phrase “wisest fool” directly arises from the contrast between wise ideas and foolish execution. So the reason given is exactly the underlying justification for calling him by this title.Step 5: Therefore both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Verification / Alternative check:
If Muhammad bin Tughluq plans had been foolish from the start, the nickname would not stress “wisest”. Conversely, if his plans had been wise and well executed, there would be no reason to call him a fool. Historical discussion focuses on the mismatch between vision and implementation. This supports that R captures the real logic behind the nickname.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b wrongly denies the explanatory role of R. Options c and d require either the label or the characterisation of his plans to be false, which contradicts widely presented textbook narratives about his reign and policies.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may know only one famous example, such as the capital shift or token currency, and not link it to the broader judgement about his rule. Others might forget the exact wording of the nickname. It is helpful to remember that history often uses such short phrases to summarise complex evaluations of rulers.
Final Answer:
The correct option is that both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Discussion & Comments