Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq was the founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty and the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate from the Tughlaq lineage. He ruled from 1320 CE to 1325 CE and is known for restoring order, improving administration, and expanding the empire. His rule ended when he died under mysterious circumstances.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (also known as Ghazi Malik) |
| Dynasty | Tughlaq Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1320 CE – 1325 CE |
| Predecessor | Khusro Khan (Last ruler of Khalji Dynasty) |
| Successor | Muhammad bin Tughlaq |
| Major Achievements | Established the Tughlaq Dynasty, Military Expansion, Administrative Reforms |
| Death | 1325 CE (Collapsed pavilion, possibly an assassination) |
Rise to Power
- Originally known as Ghazi Malik, he was a military commander under the Khalji Dynasty.
- Led a rebellion against Khusro Khan in 1320 CE and executed him, ending the Khalji Dynasty.
- Declared himself Sultan of Delhi and founded the Tughlaq Dynasty.
Major Achievements & Policies
1. Administrative Reforms
- Strengthened the central administration after the instability of the late Khalji period.
- Appointed capable officers and disciplined the nobility.
- Ensured justice and strong governance.
2. Military Expansion
- Conquered Bengal (1324 CE) and reasserted Delhi’s control over provinces.
- Led successful campaigns in the Deccan and Sindh.
3. Defense Against Mongols
- Strengthened northwest borders to prevent Mongol invasions.
- Built forts and improved Delhi’s defense system.
4. Construction of Tughlaqabad Fort
- Built the massive Tughlaqabad Fort in Delhi as a defensive structure.
- Forced laborers to work on the fort, which created opposition.
Death & Mysterious Circumstances (1325 CE)
- While returning from a successful Bengal campaign, he died in 1325 CE.
- A wooden pavilion collapsed on him, possibly a trap set by his son, Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
- After his death, Muhammad bin Tughlaq became the new Sultan.
Significance of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s Rule
- Brought stability after the decline of the Khalji Dynasty.
- Strengthened military and administration.
- Expanded the Delhi Sultanate and fortified its defenses.
- His death led to the rule of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who had ambitious but controversial policies.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Tughlaq Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1320 CE – 1325 CE |
| Predecessor | Khusro Khan (Khalji Dynasty) |
| Successor | Muhammad bin Tughlaq |
| Major Reforms | Strengthened administration, expanded empire |
| Famous Construction | Tughlaqabad Fort |
| Death | 1325 CE (Mysterious pavilion collapse) |
MCQs on Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
1. Who was the founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty?
A) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
B) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
D) Alauddin Khalji
Answer: B) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
2. Who did Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq overthrow to become Sultan?
A) Alauddin Khalji
B) Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah
C) Khusro Khan
D) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Answer: C) Khusro Khan
3. Which fort was built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq?
A) Red Fort
B) Tughlaqabad Fort
C) Gwalior Fort
D) Agra Fort
Answer: B) Tughlaqabad Fort
4. How did Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq die?
A) Assassinated by Mongols
B) Killed in battle
C) Pavilion collapse (possibly an assassination)
D) Natural death
Answer: C) Pavilion collapse (possibly an assassination)
5. Who succeeded Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq?
A) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
C) Balban
D) Khusro Khan
Answer: B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
These notes are important for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.