Delhi Sultanate
Delhi Sultanate
1. Establishment of Delhi Sultanate
- Founded by: Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206)
- After the death of Ghurid Sultan Muiz-ud-din Muhammad Ghori in 1206, Aibak established the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty.
- Capital: Delhi
- Key Events:
- Aibak defeated the last Rajput ruler of Delhi, Raja Yogeendra, in 1206.
- He laid the foundation of Qutub Minar in 1220.
- Iltutmish (r. 1211–1236) consolidated the Sultanate and established the Delhi Sultanate as a major power in North India.
2. Ilbari/Mamluk/Slave Dynasty
Rulers:
- Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206–1210)
- Iltutmish (1211–1236)
- Raziya Sultana (1236–1240)
- Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266–1287)
Contributions:
- Iltutmish:
- Established the Delhi Sultanate as a stable and strong empire.
- Introduced the Iqta system and Diwan-i-Ariz.
- Promoted Turkish culture and administration.
- Raziya Sultana:
- First and only female ruler of the Sultanate.
- Promoted equality among soldiers and fair treatment of all classes.
- Balban:
- Centralized power and established absolute monarchy.
- Introduced Jazia tax and forced conversion policies.
- Focused on military strength and internal security.
Policies:
- Iqta system: Land grants to soldiers in return for military service.
- Diwan-i-Ariz: Military department.
- Jazia tax: Tax on non-Muslims.
- Centralization of power under Balban.
3. Khilji Dynasty
Rulers:
- Jalaluddin Khalji (1290–1296)
- Alauddin Khilji (1296–1314)
Contributions:
- Alauddin Khilji:
- Expanded the Sultanate to Gujarat, Bengal, and South India.
- Introduced market control and price control measures.
- Established fortified cities like Daulatabad.
Policies:
- Market Reforms: Controlled prices and supply of essential goods.
- Land Revenue Reforms: Introduced Zabti system.
- Military Reforms: Maintained a strong army and navy.
- Centralized administration and strict control over officials.
4. Tughlaq Dynasty
Rulers:
- Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320–1325)
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351)
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388)
Contributions:
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq:
- Known as “Firoz Shah the Just”.
- Built Firozabad, Tughlaqabad, and Hauz Khas.
- Introduced irrigation projects and charitable institutions.
- Reformed land revenue system and tax policies.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq:
- Attempted to shift the capital to Daulatabad (1327).
- Introduced token currency and coinage reforms.
- Expanded the empire to Deccan and South India.
- Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq:
- Consolidated the empire and initiated diwani system.
Policies:
- Land Revenue Reforms: Introduced Zabti system.
- Coinage Reforms: Introduced token currency.
- Centralized administration and strict control over officials.
- Military campaigns in South India and Deccan.
5. Sayyid Dynasty
Rulers:
- Khizr Khan (1414–1421)
- Sultan Muhammad Shah (1421–1445)
- Sultan Ibrahim Shah (1445–1451)
Contributions:
- Khizr Khan:
- Established the Sayyid Dynasty.
- Focused on internal stability and religious orthodoxy.
- Sultan Muhammad Shah:
- Continued the religious and administrative policies.
- Focused on consolidating power in Delhi.
Policies:
- Religious orthodoxy and strict adherence to Islamic law.
- Centralized administration and control over officials.
- Limited military campaigns due to internal strife.
6. Lodhi Dynasty
Rulers:
- Bahlol Lodhi (1451–1489)
- Sikandar Lodhi (1489–1517)
- Ibrahim Lodhi (1517–1526)
Contributions:
- Bahlol Lodhi:
- Founded the Lodhi Dynasty.
- Strengthened Delhi Sultanate after Sayyid Dynasty decline.
- Sikandar Lodhi:
- Known for military campaigns and administrative reforms.
- Founded the city of Agra and shifted capital from Delhi.
- Promoted agriculture and trade.
- Ibrahim Lodhi:
- Last ruler of the Lodhi Dynasty and Delhi Sultanate.
- Defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (1526).
Policies:
- Military expansion and consolidation of power.
- Centralized administration and revenue reforms.
- Promotion of trade and agriculture under Sikandar Lodhi.
7. Economy of Delhi Sultanate
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Major source of revenue; land revenue was a key income. |
| Trade | Extensive trade with Central Asia, West Asia, and South India. |
| Coinage | Introduced token currency under Muhammad bin Tughlaq. |
| Taxation | Jazia tax, land revenue, and market control. |
| Market Reforms | Price control and supply regulation under Alauddin Khilji. |
| Infrastructure | Development of roads, canals, and irrigation systems. |
8. Society under Delhi Sultanate
| Group | Description |
|---|---|
| Muslims | Dominant ruling class; held high positions in administration and military. |
| Non-Muslims | Subject to Jazia tax; some were converted or assimilated. |
| Rajputs | Initially resisted but later integrated into the administration. |
| Slaves | Used as soldiers and administrators; formed the Mamluk class. |
| Artisans and Merchants | Played a key role in trade and urban development. |
9. Political Structure under Delhi Sultanate
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Sultan | Absolute ruler; head of state and military. |
| Vizier (Wazir) | Chief minister; managed day-to-day administration. |
| Diwan-i-Wazarat | Revenue department. |
| Diwan-i-Ariz | Military department. |
| Diwan-i-Risalat | Religious affairs and foreign relations. |
| Diwan-i-Khairat | Charity and welfare department. |
10. Administrative Departments and their Heads
| Department | Head | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Diwan-i-Wazarat | Wazir | Managed revenue and finance. |
| Diwan-i-Ariz | Amir-i-Ariz | Controlled military and defense. |
| Diwan-i-Risalat | Amir-i-Risalat | Handled foreign affairs and religious matters. |
| Diwan-i-Khairat | Amir-i-Khairat | Administered welfare and charity. |
| Diwan-i-Ittisal | Amir-i-Ittisal | Managed communication and intelligence. |
11. Books and Authors of Delhi Sultanate
| Book | Author | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tughlaqnama | Amir Khusrau | Poem on the reign of Tughlaq dynasty. |
| Khazain-ul-Futuh | Ziauddin Barani | Historical account of the Delhi Sultanate. |
| Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi | Minhaj-us-Siraj | Chronicles of Firoz Shah Tughlaq. |
| Siraj-ul-Tawarikh | Ziauddin Barani | Detailed history of the Sultanate. |
| Rauzat-ul-ifa | Amir Khusrau | Poetic account of the Sultanate. |
12. Decline of Delhi Sultanate
Causes:
- Internal Strife: Succession disputes and weak rulers.
- Military Weakness: Decline in military strength and discipline.
- Economic Strain: Heavy taxation and economic mismanagement.
- External Threats: Invasions by Timur (1398) and Babur (1526).
- Administrative Corruption: Bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption.
Key Events:
- Timur’s Invasion (1398): Destroyed Delhi and weakened the Sultanate.
- Babur’s Invasion (1526): Established the Mughal Empire, marking the end of the Delhi Sultanate.
Legacy:
- Cultural and Architectural Contributions: Influence on Islamic architecture and Persian culture.
- Administrative Systems: Laid the foundation for later Mughal administration.
- Social Integration: Assimilation of Rajputs and other groups into the ruling class.
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