The Tughlaq Dynasty was one of the most significant ruling dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. It was known for its ambitious rulers, administrative experiments, and eventual decline.
1. Founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty
- Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320–1325)
- Established the dynasty by defeating Khusro Khan (last ruler of the Khilji Dynasty).
- Built Tughlaqabad Fort.
- Died when a pavilion collapsed (suspected conspiracy by his son, Muhammad bin Tughlaq).
2. Major Rulers of the Tughlaq Dynasty
Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351)
- Most ambitious but controversial ruler
- Known for his experimental policies, which mostly failed
- Important Policies:
- Capital Transfer (1327): Moved capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (Deccan) but later abandoned the decision.
- Token Currency (1330s): Introduced bronze coins (failed due to counterfeiting).
- Taxation in Doab: Increased agricultural taxes, leading to revolts.
- Military Campaigns: Failed attempts to conquer Khorasan (Persia) and China.
- Famine and Decline: Frequent rebellions weakened his rule.
Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388)
- More practical and people-friendly than Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
- Administrative & Welfare Reforms:
- Reduced taxes.
- Constructed canals, roads, and hospitals.
- Established Jaunpur, Hisar, and Firozabad.
- Promoted Islamic laws (Sharia).
- Built Hauz Khas, Firoz Shah Kotla, and irrigation projects.
Tughlaq Dynasty’s Decline (1388–1414)
- Weak Successors: Multiple weak rulers after Firuz Shah Tughlaq.
- Timur’s Invasion (1398):
- Tamerlane (Timur) from Central Asia invaded Delhi.
- Massacre and looting caused the downfall of the Tughlaqs.
- End of Tughlaq Rule (1414):
- Last ruler Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Tughlaq was defeated.
- Sayyid Dynasty replaced the Tughlaqs.
3. Achievements of the Tughlaq Dynasty
| Ruler | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq | Built Tughlaqabad Fort |
| Muhammad bin Tughlaq | Token currency, capital shift to Daulatabad (both failed) |
| Firuz Shah Tughlaq | Welfare reforms, irrigation projects, new cities (Jaunpur, Hisar) |
4. Important Facts for Competitive Exams
- Tughlaq Dynasty ruled from 1320 to 1414.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq was known as the “Mad King” due to failed policies.
- Firuz Shah Tughlaq was known for welfare projects.
- Timur invaded India in 1398, leading to the dynasty’s downfall.
- The Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451) replaced the Tughlaqs.
5. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams
Objective Questions
- Who was the founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty?
- (a) Alauddin Khilji
- (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- (c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- (d) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
- Answer: (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- Which ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty introduced token currency?
- (a) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- (b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- (c) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
- (d) Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Tughlaq
- Answer: (b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- What was the original name of Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
- (a) Jauna Khan
- (b) Malik Kafur
- (c) Alauddin
- (d) Nasiruddin
- Answer: (a) Jauna Khan
- Which ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty built the city of Firozabad?
- (a) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- (b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- (c) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
- (d) Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Tughlaq
- Answer: (c) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
- Who invaded India in 1398, leading to the decline of the Tughlaq Dynasty?
- (a) Chengiz Khan
- (b) Babur
- (c) Timur (Tamerlane)
- (d) Nadir Shah
- Answer: (c) Timur (Tamerlane)
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