Alauddin Masud Shah was the fifth ruler of the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. He ruled from 1242 CE to 1246 CE but was largely a puppet ruler controlled by the Turkish nobles (Chihalgani). Due to his weak rule and indulgence in luxury, he was eventually deposed by the nobles.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alauddin Masud Shah |
| Dynasty | Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1242 CE – 1246 CE |
| Predecessor | Bahram Shah |
| Successor | Nasiruddin Mahmud |
| Father | Ruknuddin Firuz Shah |
| Controlled by | Turkish Nobles (Chihalgani) |
| Death | Unknown (after being deposed) |
Rise to Power
- Alauddin Masud Shah was placed on the throne by the Turkish nobles (Chihalgani) in 1242 CE after they removed Bahram Shah.
- He was expected to be a puppet ruler, allowing the nobles to hold real power.
Challenges & Weaknesses
1. Dominance of the Chihalgani (Group of Forty)
- The nobles held real authority, while Alauddin Masud Shah remained a nominal ruler.
- He could not exercise independent decisions.
2. Neglect of Administration
- He was more interested in luxury and pleasure rather than governance.
- Corruption and mismanagement weakened the Delhi Sultanate.
3. Revolts and Mongol Threats
- His weak administration led to internal revolts.
- Mongol invasions in Northwest India increased, but he failed to counter them.
Deposition & End of Rule
- In 1246 CE, the Turkish nobles lost confidence in Alauddin Masud Shah due to his incompetence.
- They removed him from the throne and placed Nasiruddin Mahmud (a son of Iltutmish) as the new Sultan.
- He was either imprisoned or killed after being deposed.
Significance of Alauddin Masud Shah’s Rule
- His rule highlighted the power of the Chihalgani in controlling the Sultan.
- His incompetence led to further instability in the Delhi Sultanate.
- His removal paved the way for Nasiruddin Mahmud and Balban, who later strengthened the Sultanate.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1242 CE – 1246 CE |
| Predecessor | Bahram Shah |
| Successor | Nasiruddin Mahmud |
| Controlled by | Turkish Nobles (Chihalgani) |
| Death | Unknown (after deposition) |
MCQs on Alauddin Masud Shah
1. Who placed Alauddin Masud Shah on the throne?
A) Razia Sultana
B) Mongols
C) Turkish Nobles (Chihalgani)
D) Balban
Answer: C) Turkish Nobles (Chihalgani)
2. Why was Alauddin Masud Shah removed from power?
A) He was assassinated
B) He was defeated in battle
C) He was weak and incompetent
D) He surrendered to the Mongols
Answer: C) He was weak and incompetent
3. Who succeeded Alauddin Masud Shah as the Sultan of Delhi?
A) Razia Sultana
B) Nasiruddin Mahmud
C) Balban
D) Bahram Shah
Answer: B) Nasiruddin Mahmud
4. How did Alauddin Masud Shah come to power?
A) By defeating Razia Sultana
B) By defeating Balban
C) By being appointed by the Turkish Nobles
D) By invading Delhi
Answer: C) By being appointed by the Turkish Nobles
5. Which group controlled the administration during Alauddin Masud Shah’s rule?
A) Mongols
B) Rajputs
C) Chihalgani (Group of Forty)
D) Arab Merchants
Answer: C) Chihalgani (Group of Forty)
These notes are useful for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.