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 | Qutb-ud-din Aibak | 1206–1290 | Iltutmish, Razia Sultana, Balban |
| Khilji Dynasty | Jalal-ud-din Khilji | 1290–1320 | Alauddin Khilji |
| Tughlaq Dynasty | Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq | 1320–1414 | Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
| Sayyid Dynasty | Khizr Khan | 1414–1451 | Mubarak Shah, Muhammad Shah |
| Lodi Dynasty | Bahlul Lodi | 1451–1526 | Sikandar Lodi, Ibrahim Lodi |
2. Important Rulers and Contributions
1. Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty (1206–1290)
- Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206–1210)
- Founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
- Built Qutb Minar and Adhai Din Ka Jhopra.
- Died in a polo accident.
- Iltutmish (1211–1236)
- Introduced Iqta system (land revenue assignments).
- Completed Qutb Minar.
- Recognized by the Caliph of Baghdad.
- Razia Sultana (1236–1240)
- First and only female ruler of Delhi.
- Overthrown by nobles.
- Balban (1266–1287)
- Introduced theory of kingship (divine right).
- Strengthened the monarchy.
2. Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320)
- Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316)
- Conquered Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittor, and Deccan.
- Introduced market control system to control prices.
- Created a permanent standing army.
- Prevented Mongol invasions.
3. Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414)
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351)
- Shifted capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (failed).
- Issued token currency (failed).
- Expanded empire but faced revolts.
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388)
- Built canals for irrigation.
- Established madrasas (Islamic schools).
- Patronized scholars and architecture.
4. Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451)
- Weak rulers; acted as vassals of Timur’s successors.
5. Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526)
- Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517)
- Expanded empire.
- Promoted Persian culture.
- Developed Agra as an important city.
- Ibrahim Lodi (1517–1526)
- Defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (1526).
- End of Delhi Sultanate; beginning of Mughal rule.
3. Administration & Governance
- Sultan was the supreme authority.
- Wazir (Prime Minister) handled finance.
- Amirs & Nobles governed provinces.
- Sharia (Islamic law) was followed.
Military System
- Alauddin Khilji created the first standing army.
- Iqta system: Land grants to officers in return for military service.
Economic Policies
- Market reforms (Alauddin Khilji).
- Taxation: Land revenue was 1/3rd of produce.
- Trade flourished with Persia, Arabia, and Central Asia.
4. Society & Culture
- Persian culture influenced administration, art, and architecture.
- Urdu language developed.
- Hindus and Muslims coexisted with social divisions.
Architecture
- Qutb Minar (Qutb-ud-din Aibak, completed by Iltutmish).
- Alai Darwaza (Alauddin Khilji).
- Tughlaqabad Fort (Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq).
- Lodi Gardens (Tombs of Lodi rulers).
5. Decline of the Delhi Sultanate
- Weak rulers after Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
- Timur’s invasion (1398) weakened Delhi.
- Rise of regional kingdoms (Vijayanagara, Bahmani, Rajputs).
- Defeat of Ibrahim Lodi in 1526 by Babur led to the Mughal Empire.
6. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams
Prelims-Based Questions (Objective Type)
- Who was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate?
- (a) Alauddin Khilji
- (b) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- (c) Iltutmish
- (d) Balban
- Answer: (b) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- Which Delhi Sultan introduced the Iqta system?
- (a) Razia Sultana
- (b) Iltutmish
- (c) Balban
- (d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- Answer: (b) Iltutmish
- Who shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?
- (a) Balban
- (b) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
- (c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- (d) Alauddin Khilji
- Answer: (c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- Which Sultan introduced market control reforms?
- (a) Iltutmish
- (b) Alauddin Khilji
- (c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
- (d) Balban
- Answer: (b) Alauddin Khilji
- Who was the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
- (a) Sikandar Lodi
- (b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- (c) Ibrahim Lodi
- (d) Babur
- Answer: (c) Ibrahim Lodi
Mains-Based Questions (Descriptive Type)
- Discuss the administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate.
- Analyze the economic and trade policies of Alauddin Khilji.
- Explain the causes of the decline of the Delhi Sultanate.
- Evaluate the impact of Persian culture on Delhi Sultanate’s administration and art.
7. Conclusion
The Delhi Sultanate established centralized rule in India, introduced new military strategies, administrative systems, and Persian culture. Despite its decline, it paved the way for the Mughals, who inherited many of its institutions.
Would you like a mind map for quick revision? 🚀
Leave a Reply