Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah was the last ruler of the Khalji Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. He ruled from 1316 CE to 1320 CE after removing Shihabuddin Omar. His reign was marked by weak administration, extravagance, and cruelty, leading to his assassination and the fall of the Khalji Dynasty.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah Khalji |
| Dynasty | Khalji Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1316 CE – 1320 CE |
| Predecessor | Shihabuddin Omar |
| Successor | Khusro Khan (briefly), later Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (Tughlaq Dynasty) |
| Major Weakness | Negligence of administration, cruelty, and extravagance |
| Death | 1320 CE (Assassinated by Khusro Khan) |
Rise to Power
- Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah was the son of Alauddin Khalji.
- After Alauddin’s death in 1316 CE, Malik Kafur placed Shihabuddin Omar (a young son of Alauddin) on the throne.
- Khalji nobles opposed Malik Kafur, assassinated him, and deposed Shihabuddin Omar.
- Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah became Sultan in 1316 CE.
Policies & Administration
1. Reversal of Alauddin Khalji’s Policies
- Unlike his father, he abolished the strict market control system.
- Ended harsh revenue policies, leading to economic mismanagement.
- Removed restrictions on nobles, allowing corruption and chaos.
2. Weak Administration & Luxury
- Indulged in pleasure, entertainment, and extravagance.
- Allowed nobles to become more powerful, leading to internal instability.
3. Release of Prisoners
- Released many prisoners jailed by Alauddin Khalji.
- This included Khusro Khan, a converted Hindu slave who later assassinated him.
Downfall & Assassination (1320 CE)
- Khusro Khan, a former Hindu slave turned military leader, gained power in the administration.
- In 1320 CE, Khusro Khan and his supporters assassinated Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah.
- Khusro Khan briefly became Sultan but was soon overthrown by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, marking the end of the Khalji Dynasty and the rise of the Tughlaq Dynasty.
Significance of Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah’s Rule
- His weak and corrupt rule led to the fall of the Khalji Dynasty.
- Ended the strong policies of Alauddin Khalji, leading to instability.
- His assassination resulted in the rise of the Tughlaq Dynasty.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Khalji Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1316 CE – 1320 CE |
| Predecessor | Shihabuddin Omar |
| Successor | Khusro Khan (briefly), then Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq |
| Major Weakness | Indulgence in luxury, weak administration |
| Death | 1320 CE (Assassinated by Khusro Khan) |
MCQs on Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah
1. Who was the last ruler of the Khalji Dynasty?
A) Alauddin Khalji
B) Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah
C) Khusro Khan
D) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Answer: B) Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah
2. Who assassinated Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah?
A) Malik Kafur
B) Khusro Khan
C) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
D) Shihabuddin Omar
Answer: B) Khusro Khan
3. What happened after the assassination of Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah?
A) The Khalji Dynasty continued
B) Khusro Khan became Sultan briefly
C) The Mongols invaded Delhi
D) Alauddin Khalji returned to power
Answer: B) Khusro Khan became Sultan briefly
4. Which policy of Alauddin Khalji was reversed by Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah?
A) Market Control System
B) Mongol Defense Strategy
C) Military Reforms
D) Fortification Policies
Answer: A) Market Control System
5. Who overthrew Khusro Khan and ended the Khalji Dynasty?
A) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
C) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
D) Balban
Answer: C) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
These notes are essential for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.