What is meant by “The Forty”?

The cream of Afghan nobles
The pick of the intellectuals among the Khaljis
The select body of the Turkish aristocracy
The Ulema or the Muslim divines

The correct answer is: D. The Ulema or the Muslim divines.

The Ulema are the Muslim scholars who are experts in Islamic law and theology. They are the ones who interpret the Quran and the Sunnah, and they issue fatwas, or religious rulings. The Ulema play an important role in Muslim society, and they are often consulted on matters of religious law and practice.

The other options are incorrect. Option A, “The cream of Afghan nobles”, is incorrect because the Ulema are not nobles. Option B, “The pick of the intellectuals among the Khaljis”, is incorrect because the Ulema are not intellectuals. Option C, “The select body of the Turkish aristocracy”, is incorrect because the Ulema are not aristocrats.