Muhammad bin Tughlaq was the second ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty and one of the most controversial Sultans of the Delhi Sultanate. His rule (1325–1351 CE) was marked by ambitious but failed experiments, military campaigns, and widespread revolts. He is often remembered for his intelligence, vision, but poor execution of policies.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Muhammad bin Tughlaq |
| Dynasty | Tughlaq Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1325 CE – 1351 CE |
| Predecessor | Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq |
| Successor | Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
| Major Policies | Capital Shift, Token Currency, Taxation in Doab, Military Expeditions |
| Major Challenges | Widespread revolts, economic decline, Mongol invasions |
| Death | 1351 CE (Died during a campaign in Sindh) |
Rise to Power
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq was the son of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
- He became Sultan of Delhi in 1325 CE after his father’s mysterious death.
- Known for his intelligence, knowledge of multiple subjects, and visionary ideas.
Major Policies & Administrative Reforms
Muhammad bin Tughlaq was an ambitious ruler who introduced many policies ahead of their time, but most of them failed due to poor execution.
1. Transfer of Capital (1327 CE)
- Shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (in Maharashtra) to control South India effectively.
- Forced people to migrate from Delhi to Daulatabad.
- Failed due to:
- Lack of water supply in Daulatabad.
- Hardship faced by people in migration.
- Need to protect Delhi from Mongol attacks.
- Result: The capital was shifted back to Delhi, causing immense suffering and waste of resources.
2. Token Currency Experiment (1329–1330 CE)
- Introduced bronze coins as token currency (instead of silver).
- Failed due to:
- Massive forgery (people started making fake coins).
- Loss of public confidence.
- Result: The government had to withdraw the token currency, leading to huge economic losses.
3. Increased Taxation in Doab Region (1330 CE)
- Increased taxes on farmers in the Doab region (between Ganga & Yamuna).
- Failed due to:
- Severe famine at the time.
- Peasants were unable to pay high taxes, leading to rebellions.
- Result: The policy had to be withdrawn, but many farmers had already fled.
4. Military Campaigns & Expansion Policies
- Attempted to conquer Persia, Khorasan, and Iraq, but failed.
- Unsuccessful expedition to capture China → His army was lost in the Himalayas.
- Successful conquest of Warangal and Madurai, but later lost control due to rebellions.
Challenges & Revolts
Due to his failed policies, Muhammad bin Tughlaq faced several rebellions across the empire.
| Region | Rebellion / Threat |
|---|---|
| Bengal (1338 CE) | Declared independence. |
| Deccan (1347 CE) | Bahmani Sultanate was founded. |
| Sindh & Gujarat | Declared independence. |
| Mongol Threat | Increased attacks on Delhi. |
Death & Succession
- In 1351 CE, Muhammad bin Tughlaq died due to illness while campaigning in Sindh.
- He was succeeded by his cousin, Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who adopted a more stable rule.
Significance of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s Rule
- Highly intelligent but impractical in execution.
- His failed policies led to economic decline and instability.
- Lost several provinces due to revolts, weakening the Delhi Sultanate.
- His successor, Firoz Shah Tughlaq, focused on repairing the empire.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Tughlaq Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1325 CE – 1351 CE |
| Predecessor | Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq |
| Successor | Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
| Major Policy Failures | Capital Shift, Token Currency, High Taxation in Doab |
| Successful Campaigns | Warangal, Madurai |
| Major Revolts | Bengal, Deccan (Bahmani), Gujarat, Sindh |
| Death | 1351 CE (Died in Sindh) |
MCQs on Muhammad bin Tughlaq
1. What was Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s most controversial decision?
A) Imposition of Jizya tax
B) Moving the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad
C) Construction of Tughlaqabad Fort
D) Introduction of the Persian language in administration
Answer: B) Moving the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad
2. Why did Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s token currency fail?
A) Lack of metals
B) People started making fake coins
C) Mongol invasions
D) Poor economic policies
Answer: B) People started making fake coins
3. Which region declared independence from Delhi during Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign?
A) Punjab
B) Bengal
C) Rajasthan
D) Sindh
Answer: B) Bengal
4. What was the result of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s expedition to China?
A) He conquered China
B) The army perished in the Himalayas
C) The Chinese surrendered
D) He established a trade agreement
Answer: B) The army perished in the Himalayas
5. Who succeeded Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
A) Alauddin Khalji
B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
C) Balban
D) Babur
Answer: B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Subjective Questions on Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Muhammad bin Tughlaq, and when did he rule?
- Why did Muhammad bin Tughlaq shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?
- Explain the reasons behind the failure of the token currency system.
- What were the main military campaigns of Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
- How did taxation in the Doab region lead to revolts?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the major administrative and economic policies of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and their impact.
- Explain the successes and failures of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s military campaigns.
- How did Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s policies contribute to the decline of the Delhi Sultanate?
- Compare the policies of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
- What were the major causes of revolts during Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s rule?
These notes are essential for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.