Khusro Khan was a short-lived and controversial ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He ruled for only a few months in 1320 CE, after assassinating Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah, making him the last ruler of the Khalji Dynasty. His rule ended when he was overthrown by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, marking the beginning of the Tughlaq Dynasty.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Khusro Khan (also known as Nasiruddin Khusro Shah) |
| Dynasty | Khalji Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1320 CE (Brief rule) |
| Predecessor | Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah |
| Successor | Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (Founder of Tughlaq Dynasty) |
| Background | Hindu convert, originally a slave |
| Death | 1320 CE (Executed by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq) |
Early Life & Rise to Power
- Khusro Khan was originally a Hindu slave captured during Alauddin Khalji’s campaigns.
- He converted to Islam and rose in rank under Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah.
- Became a powerful military leader and gained influence in the Khalji court.
Assassination of Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah
- In 1320 CE, Khusro Khan assassinated Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah and declared himself Sultan.
- He became the first and only non-Turkic ruler of the Delhi Sultanate at that time.
- However, many nobles and army officers opposed him, considering him an outsider.
Challenges & Fall from Power
1. Opposition from the Turkish Nobles
- Turkish and Afghan nobles did not accept Khusro Khan’s rule.
- Many nobles and soldiers rebelled against him.
2. Rise of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the governor of Dipalpur, led a rebellion against Khusro Khan.
- His army marched to Delhi and defeated Khusro Khan in 1320 CE.
3. Execution of Khusro Khan
- Khusro Khan was captured and executed by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
- His death ended the Khalji Dynasty and marked the beginning of the Tughlaq Dynasty.
Significance of Khusro Khan’s Rule
- He was the last ruler of the Khalji Dynasty.
- His short and unstable rule led to the rise of the Tughlaq Dynasty.
- His reign marked a shift in power from the Khaljis to the Tughlaqs.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Khalji Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1320 CE (Brief rule) |
| Predecessor | Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah |
| Successor | Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (Founder of Tughlaq Dynasty) |
| Major Weakness | Lack of noble support, rebellion by Tughlaq forces |
| Death | 1320 CE (Executed by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq) |
MCQs on Khusro Khan
1. Who was the last ruler of the Khalji Dynasty?
A) Alauddin Khalji
B) Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah
C) Khusro Khan
D) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Answer: C) Khusro Khan
2. How did Khusro Khan come to power?
A) He defeated the Mongols
B) He was elected by the nobles
C) He assassinated Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah
D) He was appointed by Alauddin Khalji
Answer: C) He assassinated Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah
3. Who overthrew Khusro Khan?
A) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
B) Jalaluddin Khalji
C) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
D) Balban
Answer: C) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
4. What was the main reason for Khusro Khan’s downfall?
A) Lack of administrative experience
B) Defeat by the Mongols
C) Revolt by Turkish and Afghan nobles
D) Economic crisis
Answer: C) Revolt by Turkish and Afghan nobles
5. How did Khusro Khan die?
A) Natural death
B) Killed in battle
C) Executed by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
D) Assassinated by Turkish nobles
Answer: C) Executed by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
These notes are important for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.