In the history of the independent Sultanate of Bengal, which ruler is especially known for maintaining friendly diplomatic and commercial relations with Ming China?

Introduction / Context:
This question touches on the external relations of the medieval Bengal Sultanate. While we often focus on North Indian empires when studying foreign contacts, some regional kingdoms also developed diplomatic and commercial links with distant powers. One ruler of Bengal in particular is remembered for his friendly relations and correspondence with Ming China, highlighting the maritime and trade connections of the time.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The region in question is the Bengal Sultanate in medieval times.
- The question asks which ruler had relations with China, specifically the Ming dynasty.
- The options list several Bengal sultans: Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah, Sikandar Shah, Nusrat Shah, Alauddin Husain Shah and Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah.
- We assume familiarity with the fact that some Bengal sultans engaged in overseas trade and diplomatic missions across the Bay of Bengal and beyond.

Concept / Approach:
Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah, who ruled Bengal in the late fourteenth and early fifteenth century, is particularly noted for maintaining cordial relations with the Ming court in China. Historical records and Chinese sources mention envoys and gifts exchanged between Bengal and China during his reign. This reflects the importance of Bengal s ports in the Indian Ocean trade network. The other rulers listed in the options are important in their own ways but are not as specifically associated with documented relations with China.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Bengal Sultanate was a powerful regional kingdom with access to the sea and busy ports. Step 2: Remember that Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah is frequently mentioned in history books as a ruler who sent envoys to the Ming court and maintained friendly ties with China. Step 3: Understand that these relations included diplomatic correspondence and the exchange of gifts, indicating recognition by the Chinese emperor. Step 4: Note that while Sikandar Shah, Nusrat Shah, Alauddin Husain Shah and Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah were important Bengal sultans, they are not as specifically highlighted for links with China in standard exam material. Step 5: Based on this, select Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah as the ruler known for relations with China.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of how chapters on the Bengal Sultanate mention foreign relations. Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah and his contacts with Ming China are usually mentioned as examples of Bengal s maritime diplomacy. Additionally, some Chinese records from the Ming period list Bengal among the states sending tribute or missions. The other sultans are more commonly associated with regional politics or internal developments, not with Sino-Bengal relations. This pattern in the literature confirms that Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah is the expected answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sikandar Shah: A Bengal ruler, but not particularly noted in exam-oriented history texts for relations with China.
Nusrat Shah: Known for his role in regional politics, including interactions with the early Mughals, rather than with the Ming dynasty.
Alauddin Husain Shah: A powerful and culturally important Bengal sultan, but again not primarily associated with documented diplomatic missions to China.
Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah: Founder of the independent Bengal Sultanate, important for unifying Bengal, but the best known Sino-Bengal links are tied to Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may not be very familiar with the detailed history of the Bengal Sultanate and may guess randomly among the names. Some might choose the founder Ilyas Shah assuming that first rulers always have the most foreign contacts. Others might choose Husain Shah because he is often described as a powerful and culturally advanced ruler. The key is to remember that Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah is the one specifically mentioned with reference to friendly relations with Ming China, making him the correct choice for exam purposes.

Final Answer:
The Bengal ruler especially known for maintaining relations with Ming China was Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah.