Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century Moroccan scholar and traveler, visited India between 1333 and 1347 during Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign. His writings, particularly “Rihla,” provide significant historical insights into India’s political, economic, and social conditions, including trade, architecture, and the justice system under Tughlaq’s unpredictable rule.
Category: Medieval India
The Bahmani Kingdom (1347–1527) was the first independent Muslim kingdom in the Deccan, India, founded by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah. It expanded culturally and territorially under notable rulers like Muhammad Shah III. Internal strife and conflicts with Vijayanagar led to its decline and fragmentation into five Deccan Sultanates by 1527.
The Vijayanagar Empire, established in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka I, was a formidable Hindu empire in South India known for its military strength, cultural achievements, and prosperity. It peaked under Krishnadevaraya but declined after the Battle of Talikota in 1565, leading to the plunder of its capital, Hampi.
The Lodi Dynasty was the last Afghan dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, established by Bahlul Lodi in 1451. Significant for military expansion and administrative reforms, it declined under Ibrahim Lodi, whose harsh rule led to constant revolts. The dynasty ended after Babur’s victory in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, paving the way for Mughal rule.
The Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451), established by Khizr Khan after the Tughlaq Dynasty, faced significant internal instability and external threats, particularly from Mongol invasions. The rulers, starting from Khizr Khan to Ala-ud-Din Alam Shah, were weak, leading to the dynasty’s decline and eventual replacement by the Lodi Dynasty.
The Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414) was pivotal in the Delhi Sultanate, founded by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. Muhammad bin Tughlaq, known for controversial policies, faced numerous failures, while Firuz Shah Tughlaq introduced welfare reforms. The dynasty declined due to weak successors and Timur’s invasion, leading to its replacement by the Sayyid Dynasty.
The Khilji Dynasty, established by Jalaluddin Khilji in 1290, is noted for military expansion, administrative and economic reforms. Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316) was its most prominent ruler, known for significant military campaigns and market regulations. The dynasty declined after his death, culminating in its end by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1320.
The Slave Dynasty (also called the Mamluk Dynasty) was the first ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. It was established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206 after the death of Muhammad Ghori. The dynasty ruled for 84 years (1206–1290) before being overthrown by the Khilji Dynasty. 1. Important Rulers of the Slave Dynasty Ruler Reign Important […]
Categories
Delhi Sultanate
Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) The Delhi Sultanate was a series of five dynasties that ruled northern India from 1206 to 1526. It marked the beginning of Muslim rule in India and laid the foundation for future Islamic empires, including the Mughals. 1. Dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate Dynasty Founder Time Period Notable Rulers Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty […]