The Delhi Sultanate
Introduction
The period of Indian history from 1206 to 1526 has been called the period of the Delhi Sultanate. In the period, India was ruled by several Turkish Sultan who belonged to the Turkish clan. Five dynasties ruled over Delhi during this period.
1.Origins and Rise of the Delhi Sultanate:
Explore the emergence of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century, tracing its roots to the decline of the Chola and Chalukya empires. Highlight the significance of Qutb-ud-din Aibak's conquest of Delhi in 1206 AD and the establishment of the Mamluk dynasty, marking the beginning of the Sultanate era.
2. Dynasties and Rulers:
Introduce readers to the prominent dynasties that ruled over Delhi, including the Slave dynasty, Khalji dynasty, Tughlaq dynasty, and the Lodhi dynasty. Provide insights into notable rulers such as Alauddin Khalji, who expanded the empire through military conquests, and Firuz Shah Tughlaq, known for his administrative reforms and patronage of art and architecture.
3. The Slave Dynasty (Mamluk Dynasty)
3.1 Qutbuddin Aibak (1206-10 AD)
Qutbuddin Aibak was a captive of Muhammad Ghori, was made him the legislative head of his Indian belongings. After the demise of Ghori in 1206, Aibak pronounced his autonomy and hence established the Slave line just as the Delhi Sultanate. Muslim writers call him “ Aibak Lakh Baksh” or giver of lakhs because he gave liberal donations to them. Aibak patronized the great scholar Hasan Nizami. He started construction of Qutub minar ( Delhi) after the name of a famous Sufi saint Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakthiyar kaki. Adhai Din ka Jhonpra (Ajmer) was also started during his rule. Aibak died spontaneously while playing chaugan (horse polo) in 1210. He was later succeeded by his son Aram Baksh , who was replaced by Iltutmish after eight months.
3.2 Shamsuddin Iltutmish (1211-1236 AD)
He made Delhi as capital in place of Lahore. During his time, slave nobility become very strong. Zid-Ud din Barani referred them Turkan-e-Chihalgani ( the corp of forty loyal slaves). He also introduced the iqta system in Delhi sultanate, which was a practice of tax farming. Under the Iqta system, an officer was given a grant of revenue from a territory in lieu of salary. However, the Iqta system connected to the farthest part of the Sultanate to the central government. He is credited with building the Hauz-i-Shamsi near Mehrauli in Delhi. Iltutmish added three more storeys to Qutub Minar (the year given here should be 1386). Mongols invaded for the first time under Chengiz Khan during this time. Currency reform: He introduced silver coins ( tanka ) and copper coin ( jl).ita 3.3 Ruknuddin Firoz Shah (1236 AD)
Shamsi nobles installed Iltutmish's eldest son Ruknuddin firoz Shah on the throne after his death. Ruknuddin firoz was the Mamluk Sultanate’s ( Slave Dynasty) fourth ruler. He was in power for just over six months. He had qualities like physical aristocracy and well-behaved behavior. Taking advantage of his absence as a king, Shah Turkan claimed the crown and all of it’s power for herself. Shah Turkan was despotic and spiteful ruler who ordered the deaths of many people in the Kingdom. Ruknuddin marched to quash the rebellion of the Governor of Multan. Raziya took advantage of this opportunity and grabbed the throne of the Delhi Sultanate with the help of the amirs of Delhi. Firoz Shah and Shah Turkan both were put to death. 3.4 Razia Sultan ( 1236 - 1240 AD )
The only woman ruler in the history of Delhi, she ruled for three and half years until 1240. She had all the qualities which need to be possessed by a good monarch (as told by Minhaj-us-Siraj in Tabaqat-i-Nasiri ), Still the Chihalgani ( the group of forty Turkish Chiefs) could not accept and digest the rule of a woman. They rebelled against Razia when she appointed her favorite Yakut as the superintendent of the Stables. Yakut was an Abyssinian, which raised the jealousy of Turko-Afghan nobles. Malik Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda, supported the rebel chiefs. A long fight resulted between the two opponent gathering following which Yakut died and Razia turned into a detainee. Razia wedded Altunia and they together attempted to take the sultanate back from Muizuddin Bahram Shah. Nonetheless, Razia and Altunia were vanquished and compelled to escape. While escaping to Kaithal, they were caught by the dacoits and killed. In 1246, Balban succeeded in putting Nasiruddin Mahmud, a younger son of Iltutmish, as Sultan. 3.5 Balban ( 1266 - 1286 AD )
He propagated the Iranian theory of Divine Rights, Which said that the Sultan was the representative of God on Earth. Balban introduced strict court discipline and new customs such as prostration ( Shizda) and Kissing the Sultan's feet ( Paibos) to show his superiority over the nobles. He also introduced the Nauroz which was a Persian festival to impress the nobles and people with his wealth and power. He abolished Chihalgani/association of 40 nobles. He did not allow ulemas to interfere into the political affairs of the state. He did not allow Hindus’ entry in army or other institutions of authority. He built forts and established Afghan garrisons to guard communications with Bengal. He maintained pomp and dignity at his court. He set up a different military office -diwan-I-arz and redesigned the military. The edges of Delhi were regularly looted by the Mewatis. Balban made an extreme move against them and forestalled such burglaries. Looters were savagely sought after and executed. Balban died in 1287.
4. The Khilji Dynasty
The khiljis served under the IIbari administration of Delhi. Malik Firuz was the one was initially the Ariz-I-Mumalik named by kaiqubad ( last ruler of the slave line) during the times of the decay of the IIbari Line. He exploited the political vacuum and climbed the seat of Delhi as Jalal-ud-din Firuz khilji. The court of Khiljis was of multi-ethnical foundation with individuals of Persian, Indian, Middle Eastern and Turkish source. This denoted a finish to the imposing business model of force and racial tyranny by IIbari Turks and prompted the extending of the social base of the decision making or ruler class. 4.1 Jalal-ud-din Firuz Khilji ( AD 1290-96 )
He went to the seat at seventy years old and administered for a very long time. He had an appeasing arrangement towards the aristocrats of the previous system and even the Mongols. Subsequently, he designated Malik Chajju, who was Balban's nephew, as the Legislative leader of Kara, who revolted later. On the main occasion of his rule was the intrusion of Devagiri, the capital of the Yadava lord, Raja Ramachandra deva, in the Deccan, by Ali Gurshasp, the nephew and son-in-law of the ruler, and the Legislative leader of Kara. After his effective mission, Ali Gurshasp welcomed the Ruler to Kara to get the gigantic abundance. Jalaluddin came to kara in the year July 1296, where Ali Gurshasp Killed him and broadcasted himself the Ruler with the tittle of Allauddin. 4.2 Allauddin Khilji (AD 1296-1316 )
He was the best leader of the Khilji Tradition and was the principal Muslim ruler to stretch out his realm straight up to the extraordinary South of India. He richly appropriate cash and gold among his Kin, respectable and servants so that they may fail to remember the homicide of Jalal-ud-din and back him. He was the principal leader of Delhi Sultanate who didn’t request a Mansur which means letter of inauguration from the Caliph yet considered himself the representative of the Caliph. He concentrated all out force of the state in his own hands; hence, the time frame denoted the apex of Dictatorial government too. Allauddin khilji is said to have been harmed by Malik Kafur, who was an eunuch slave and military commander of Alauddin Khilji. Alauddin khilji died in January 1316.
5. Tughlaq Dynasty
The Tughlaq were Muslim family of Turkish origin. The originator of the Tughlaq tradition was Ghiyasuddi Tughlaq. Ghiyasuddi established the framework for Tughluqabad close to Delhi. They arrived at their apex point between AD 1330 and 1335 when Muhammad bin Tughlaq drove military mission. Mohammad Bin Tughlaq treacherously killed his father and ascended the throne. 5.1 Muhammad Bin Tughlaq ( 1325-51 AD )
Jauna Khan succeeded his father in 1325 under the tittle of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. He is the most questionable character of Middle age In Indian History. He was the most educated researcher of his time. He knew both Arabic and Persian language and had exhaustive information on way of thinking, stargazing, rationale, math and actual science. His epic tests finished in hopeless disappointment since they were all long ways relatively revolutionary. He was lenient in strict issue. The Sultan maintained good relations with foreigners and received on envoy from the Chinese ruler. Toghan Timur ( AD 1341 ), a Chinese came to ask for permission to rebuild the Buddhist Monasteries in Himalayan region, which were destroy during the crucial expedition. The sultan gave permission and sent Ibn Battuta to the court of the Chinese emperor in 1347. Ibn Battutah Was a traveller from Morocco. He come to India in 1333. He was appointed as the main Quazi of Delhi by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq. He left an invaluable account of a Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's period in his book ‘Rihla'. 5.2 Firoz Shah Tughlaq ( 1351-1388 AD)
He was not a distinguished military leader. He led two unsuccessful campaigns into Bengal against Haji Iliyas ( Shamsud-din Iliyas Shah) and Sikandar Shah. Rather than territorial expansion, he focused more on maintaining the status quo, but had limited success on this front too.
Before departure from Indian land, Taimur appointed Khizr Khan as governor of Multan region. He captured Delhi and founded his own Sayyid dynasty in 1414. Alam Shah (1445-1451 ), who was weakest of the Sayyid princes, handed over the throne to Bahlol Lodi and retired.
7. Lodis ( 1451-1526 AD)
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Bahlul Lodi was the first Afghan ruler, whereas all his predecessors were Turks. He died in 1489. He successor was his son Sikandar Lodi. He died in the year 1489 AD and was succeeded by his son, Sikandar Lodi. 7.1 Sikandar Lodi ( 1489-1517 AD )
Sikandar Lodi ( 1489-1517 ) was the greatest of all the three Lodi rulers. Sikandar Lodi transferred the capital of his kingdom to Agra. He introduced a new scale for land measurement known as Gazi-i-Sikandari. Sikandar Lodi extended his empire from Punjab to Bihar and made the Sultanate stronger. Roads were built and many irrigation and introduced the system of auditing the accounts. He relaxed restrictions on trade, which greatly promoted the economic prosperity of the people. He was staunch Sunni and a Muslim fanatic. He lacked religious tolerance and levied Jiziya and Pilgrimage tax on Hindus. He was a found patron of art and letters. He wrote verses in Persian under the pen name of Gulrukhi meaning Rose Faced. 7.2 Ibrahim Lodi ( 1517-1526 AD )
Ibrahim Lodi, the arrogant eldest son of Sikandar Lodi, succeeded him. Daulat khan Lodi, the governor of Punjab was insulted and disaffection between king and courtiers become very common phenomenon. Greatly displeased due to the arrogance of Ibrahim, Daulat Khan Lodi invited Babur to invade India. Then, in the first battle of Panipat ( 1526 AD ), Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi and killed him. He then become the master of Delhi and Agra. This as such ended the sultanate and gave rise to Mughal dynasty in India. 8. Cultural Flourish and Architectural Marvels:
Explore the cultural syncretism that characterized the Delhi Sultanate, with influences from Persian, Central Asian, and Indian traditions. Showcase architectural masterpieces such as the Qutub Minar, the Alai Darwaza, and the tomb of Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, reflecting the artistic brilliance of the era. 9. Economic and Social Life:
Discuss the thriving trade networks that connected Delhi to distant lands, fostering economic prosperity and cultural exchange. Examine the social hierarchy of the Delhi Sultanate society, including the roles of nobility, merchants, artisans, and the peasantry. 10. Legacy and Impact:
Reflect on the enduring legacy of the Delhi Sultanate, which laid the foundations for subsequent Islamic empires in the Indian subcontinent. Analyze the impact of the Sultanate era on Indian culture, language, and governance, shaping the socio-political landscape for centuries to come. 11. Causes of Decline of Delhi Sultanate
The rulers of Delhi Sultanate came to power with the help of sword and army, so there was no definite low of succession. Nobles were very powerful enough to act as kingdom and controlled the weak sultans. Limitations of Iqtadari, Zamindari and Jagirdari system led to the disintegration of Delhi Sultanate under weak sultans. Invasion of Timurid created a havoc like situation and become the main cause for the downfall of the Delhi Sultanate. There was absence of strong rulers. Unfortunately, after the death of Sultan Firoz, no strong ruler arose and successive rule of weak kings hastened the process of decline. Vast spread of empire and poor means of communication also contributed to decline.
12. Conclusion:
As we traverse the annals of history, the legacy of the Delhi Sultanate stands as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and diversity of the Indian subcontinent. From its majestic monuments to its vibrant cultural tapestry, the Sultanate era continues to captivate and inspire generations, inviting us to unravel the mysteries of the past and embrace the richness of our heritage.
3.2 Shamsuddin Iltutmish (1211-1236 AD)
He made Delhi as capital in place of Lahore. During his time, slave nobility become very strong. Zid-Ud din Barani referred them Turkan-e-Chihalgani ( the corp of forty loyal slaves). He also introduced the iqta system in Delhi sultanate, which was a practice of tax farming. Under the Iqta system, an officer was given a grant of revenue from a territory in lieu of salary. However, the Iqta system connected to the farthest part of the Sultanate to the central government. He is credited with building the Hauz-i-Shamsi near Mehrauli in Delhi. Iltutmish added three more storeys to Qutub Minar (the year given here should be 1386). Mongols invaded for the first time under Chengiz Khan during this time. Currency reform: He introduced silver coins ( tanka ) and copper coin ( jl).ita
3.3 Ruknuddin Firoz Shah (1236 AD)
Shamsi nobles installed Iltutmish's eldest son Ruknuddin firoz Shah on the throne after his death. Ruknuddin firoz was the Mamluk Sultanate’s ( Slave Dynasty) fourth ruler. He was in power for just over six months. He had qualities like physical aristocracy and well-behaved behavior. Taking advantage of his absence as a king, Shah Turkan claimed the crown and all of it’s power for herself. Shah Turkan was despotic and spiteful ruler who ordered the deaths of many people in the Kingdom. Ruknuddin marched to quash the rebellion of the Governor of Multan. Raziya took advantage of this opportunity and grabbed the throne of the Delhi Sultanate with the help of the amirs of Delhi. Firoz Shah and Shah Turkan both were put to death.
3.4 Razia Sultan ( 1236 - 1240 AD )
The only woman ruler in the history of Delhi, she ruled for three and half years until 1240. She had all the qualities which need to be possessed by a good monarch (as told by Minhaj-us-Siraj in Tabaqat-i-Nasiri ), Still the Chihalgani ( the group of forty Turkish Chiefs) could not accept and digest the rule of a woman. They rebelled against Razia when she appointed her favorite Yakut as the superintendent of the Stables. Yakut was an Abyssinian, which raised the jealousy of Turko-Afghan nobles. Malik Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda, supported the rebel chiefs. A long fight resulted between the two opponent gathering following which Yakut died and Razia turned into a detainee. Razia wedded Altunia and they together attempted to take the sultanate back from Muizuddin Bahram Shah. Nonetheless, Razia and Altunia were vanquished and compelled to escape. While escaping to Kaithal, they were caught by the dacoits and killed. In 1246, Balban succeeded in putting Nasiruddin Mahmud, a younger son of Iltutmish, as Sultan.
3.5 Balban ( 1266 - 1286 AD )
He propagated the Iranian theory of Divine Rights, Which said that the Sultan was the representative of God on Earth. Balban introduced strict court discipline and new customs such as prostration ( Shizda) and Kissing the Sultan's feet ( Paibos) to show his superiority over the nobles. He also introduced the Nauroz which was a Persian festival to impress the nobles and people with his wealth and power. He abolished Chihalgani/association of 40 nobles. He did not allow ulemas to interfere into the political affairs of the state. He did not allow Hindus’ entry in army or other institutions of authority. He built forts and established Afghan garrisons to guard communications with Bengal. He maintained pomp and dignity at his court. He set up a different military office -diwan-I-arz and redesigned the military. The edges of Delhi were regularly looted by the Mewatis. Balban made an extreme move against them and forestalled such burglaries. Looters were savagely sought after and executed. Balban died in 1287.
4. The Khilji Dynasty
The khiljis served under the IIbari administration of Delhi. Malik Firuz was the one was initially the Ariz-I-Mumalik named by kaiqubad ( last ruler of the slave line) during the times of the decay of the IIbari Line. He exploited the political vacuum and climbed the seat of Delhi as Jalal-ud-din Firuz khilji. The court of Khiljis was of multi-ethnical foundation with individuals of Persian, Indian, Middle Eastern and Turkish source. This denoted a finish to the imposing business model of force and racial tyranny by IIbari Turks and prompted the extending of the social base of the decision making or ruler class.
4.1 Jalal-ud-din Firuz Khilji ( AD 1290-96 )
He went to the seat at seventy years old and administered for a very long time. He had an appeasing arrangement towards the aristocrats of the previous system and even the Mongols. Subsequently, he designated Malik Chajju, who was Balban's nephew, as the Legislative leader of Kara, who revolted later. On the main occasion of his rule was the intrusion of Devagiri, the capital of the Yadava lord, Raja Ramachandra deva, in the Deccan, by Ali Gurshasp, the nephew and son-in-law of the ruler, and the Legislative leader of Kara. After his effective mission, Ali Gurshasp welcomed the Ruler to Kara to get the gigantic abundance. Jalaluddin came to kara in the year July 1296, where Ali Gurshasp Killed him and broadcasted himself the Ruler with the tittle of Allauddin.
4.2 Allauddin Khilji (AD 1296-1316 )
He was the best leader of the Khilji Tradition and was the principal Muslim ruler to stretch out his realm straight up to the extraordinary South of India. He richly appropriate cash and gold among his Kin, respectable and servants so that they may fail to remember the homicide of Jalal-ud-din and back him. He was the principal leader of Delhi Sultanate who didn’t request a Mansur which means letter of inauguration from the Caliph yet considered himself the representative of the Caliph. He concentrated all out force of the state in his own hands; hence, the time frame denoted the apex of Dictatorial government too. Allauddin khilji is said to have been harmed by Malik Kafur, who was an eunuch slave and military commander of Alauddin Khilji. Alauddin khilji died in January 1316.
5. Tughlaq Dynasty
The Tughlaq were Muslim family of Turkish origin. The originator of the Tughlaq tradition was Ghiyasuddi Tughlaq. Ghiyasuddi established the framework for Tughluqabad close to Delhi. They arrived at their apex point between AD 1330 and 1335 when Muhammad bin Tughlaq drove military mission. Mohammad Bin Tughlaq treacherously killed his father and ascended the throne.
5.1 Muhammad Bin Tughlaq ( 1325-51 AD )
Jauna Khan succeeded his father in 1325 under the tittle of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. He is the most questionable character of Middle age In Indian History. He was the most educated researcher of his time. He knew both Arabic and Persian language and had exhaustive information on way of thinking, stargazing, rationale, math and actual science. His epic tests finished in hopeless disappointment since they were all long ways relatively revolutionary. He was lenient in strict issue. The Sultan maintained good relations with foreigners and received on envoy from the Chinese ruler. Toghan Timur ( AD 1341 ), a Chinese came to ask for permission to rebuild the Buddhist Monasteries in Himalayan region, which were destroy during the crucial expedition. The sultan gave permission and sent Ibn Battuta to the court of the Chinese emperor in 1347. Ibn Battutah Was a traveller from Morocco. He come to India in 1333. He was appointed as the main Quazi of Delhi by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq. He left an invaluable account of a Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's period in his book ‘Rihla'.
5.2 Firoz Shah Tughlaq ( 1351-1388 AD)
He was not a distinguished military leader. He led two unsuccessful campaigns into Bengal against Haji Iliyas ( Shamsud-din Iliyas Shah) and Sikandar Shah. Rather than territorial expansion, he focused more on maintaining the status quo, but had limited success on this front too.
Before departure from Indian land, Taimur appointed Khizr Khan as governor of Multan region. He captured Delhi and founded his own Sayyid dynasty in 1414. Alam Shah (1445-1451 ), who was weakest of the Sayyid princes, handed over the throne to Bahlol Lodi and retired.
7. Lodis ( 1451-1526 AD)
\
Bahlul Lodi was the first Afghan ruler, whereas all his predecessors were Turks. He died in 1489. He successor was his son Sikandar Lodi. He died in the year 1489 AD and was succeeded by his son, Sikandar Lodi.
7.1 Sikandar Lodi ( 1489-1517 AD )
Sikandar Lodi ( 1489-1517 ) was the greatest of all the three Lodi rulers. Sikandar Lodi transferred the capital of his kingdom to Agra. He introduced a new scale for land measurement known as Gazi-i-Sikandari. Sikandar Lodi extended his empire from Punjab to Bihar and made the Sultanate stronger. Roads were built and many irrigation and introduced the system of auditing the accounts. He relaxed restrictions on trade, which greatly promoted the economic prosperity of the people. He was staunch Sunni and a Muslim fanatic. He lacked religious tolerance and levied Jiziya and Pilgrimage tax on Hindus. He was a found patron of art and letters. He wrote verses in Persian under the pen name of Gulrukhi meaning Rose Faced.
7.2 Ibrahim Lodi ( 1517-1526 AD )
Ibrahim Lodi, the arrogant eldest son of Sikandar Lodi, succeeded him. Daulat khan Lodi, the governor of Punjab was insulted and disaffection between king and courtiers become very common phenomenon. Greatly displeased due to the arrogance of Ibrahim, Daulat Khan Lodi invited Babur to invade India. Then, in the first battle of Panipat ( 1526 AD ), Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi and killed him. He then become the master of Delhi and Agra. This as such ended the sultanate and gave rise to Mughal dynasty in India.
8. Cultural Flourish and Architectural Marvels:
Explore the cultural syncretism that characterized the Delhi Sultanate, with influences from Persian, Central Asian, and Indian traditions. Showcase architectural masterpieces such as the Qutub Minar, the Alai Darwaza, and the tomb of Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, reflecting the artistic brilliance of the era.
9. Economic and Social Life:
Discuss the thriving trade networks that connected Delhi to distant lands, fostering economic prosperity and cultural exchange. Examine the social hierarchy of the Delhi Sultanate society, including the roles of nobility, merchants, artisans, and the peasantry.
10. Legacy and Impact:
Reflect on the enduring legacy of the Delhi Sultanate, which laid the foundations for subsequent Islamic empires in the Indian subcontinent. Analyze the impact of the Sultanate era on Indian culture, language, and governance, shaping the socio-political landscape for centuries to come.
11. Causes of Decline of Delhi Sultanate
The rulers of Delhi Sultanate came to power with the help of sword and army, so there was no definite low of succession. Nobles were very powerful enough to act as kingdom and controlled the weak sultans. Limitations of Iqtadari, Zamindari and Jagirdari system led to the disintegration of Delhi Sultanate under weak sultans. Invasion of Timurid created a havoc like situation and become the main cause for the downfall of the Delhi Sultanate. There was absence of strong rulers. Unfortunately, after the death of Sultan Firoz, no strong ruler arose and successive rule of weak kings hastened the process of decline. Vast spread of empire and poor means of communication also contributed to decline.
12. Conclusion:
As we traverse the annals of history, the legacy of the Delhi Sultanate stands as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and diversity of the Indian subcontinent. From its majestic monuments to its vibrant cultural tapestry, the Sultanate era continues to captivate and inspire generations, inviting us to unravel the mysteries of the past and embrace the richness of our heritage.
