The correct answer is: C. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
Muhammad bin Tughlaq was the third Sultan of the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. He ruled over the Indian subcontinent from 1325 to 1351.
Muhammad bin Tughlaq was a brilliant but erratic ruler. He was known for his ambitious schemes and his ruthlessness. He was also a great patron of learning and the arts.
During his reign, Muhammad bin Tughlaq faced a number of challenges, including rebellions, famine, and drought. He responded to these challenges with a series of reforms, many of which were unsuccessful.
One of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s most ambitious schemes was to move the capital of the Delhi Sultanate from Delhi to Daulatabad in the Deccan. This move was disastrous, and it led to widespread discontent among his subjects.
Muhammad bin Tughlaq was eventually overthrown by his own son, Firuz Shah Tughluq.
The emergence of two independent states in the south namely the Vijaynagar (A. D. 1336) and Bahamani (A. D. 1347) took place during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
The Vijaynagar Empire was founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I in 1336. The empire was centered in the Deccan Plateau and it reached its peak under the rule of Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century.
The Bahmani Sultanate was founded by Alauddin Bahman Shah in 1347. The sultanate was centered in the Deccan Plateau and it reached its peak under the rule of Muhammad Shah I in the 15th century.
The emergence of these two independent states in the south was a major blow to the Delhi Sultanate. It marked the beginning of the decline of the Delhi Sultanate.