02. Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 AD)

Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 AD)

Slave Dynasty/Mamluk Dynasty (1206 to 1290)

Qutub-uddin-Aibak (1206-1210 AD)

Qutub-uddin-Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the Slave Dynasty (also known as Mamluks), was recognized for his generosity, often donating significant sums in charity, earning him the nickname "Lakhbaksha." An ardent follower of the Sufi saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Qutub-uddin-Aibak initiated the construction of the Qutub Minar in honor of this spiritual figure. Tragically, he met his end while playing the game of Chugan (horse Polo) in 1210 AD.

Iltutmish (1210-1236 AD)

Iltutmish, the son-in-law of Qutub-uddin-Aibak, is recognized as the true founder of the Delhi Sultanate. His key initiatives included relocating the capital from Lahore to Delhi and introducing the official currency of the Delhi Sultanate, namely the Silver Tanka and Copper Gittal, modeled after the Arabic Coinage system. Additionally, he established the Turkan-i-Chahalgani, a group of forty nobles (also known as Chalisa), to assist and advise the Sultan in his official duties.

Iltutmish implemented the Iqta System for revenue administration, categorizing lands into Khalisa Land (Royal land) for the Sultan's personal expenses, and Iqta Land for military officers and nobles (Iqta-holders). The revenue from Iqta land was allocated for the expenses of Iqta-holders, salaries of their subordinates, with any surplus to be submitted to the royal treasury.

Prior to his death, Iltutmish disregarded the claims of his sons and declared his daughter Razia as his successor. However, after Iltutmish's death, his son Rukmadin was initially declared Sultan, facing strong resistance and rejection by the people. Consequently, Razia was eventually declared as the rightful Sultan.

Raziya Sultan (1236-1240 AD)

Raziya emerged as a bold and courageous ruler who challenged traditional norms by discarding the Purdah system and adopting the attire of a Sultan, showcasing her progressive approach. In a significant move, she appointed Yakut, a person of Abyssinian (African) origin, to a high official position, a decision that wasn't well-received by a faction of the nobility.

The governor of Punjab, Altunia, subsequently imprisoned Raziya. However, Raziya married Altunia, effectively resolving the immediate challenge. Despite this, her troubles persisted, and she met a tragic end when dacoits killed her at Kaithal in 1240 AD.

Upon her death, the renowned historian Minhaj-i-Siraj reflected that Raziya possessed all the attributes to be a highly successful ruler but was hindered by a single perceived weakness – her gender.

After her death, the following were appointed:

• Behram Shah (1240-1242 AD)
• Masud Shah (1242-1246 AD)

Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah (1242-1265 AD):

During Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah's reign, the position of deputy Sultan, known as 'Naib-i-Mamalkat,' was established. Notably, Ghiyasuddhin Balban held this position during that time.

Ghiyasuddhin Balban (1265-1286 AD):

Ghiyasuddhin Balban emerged as the formidable ruler of the Slave dynasty, asserting his lineage from the mythical Iranian hero, Afrasiyab. Upon ascending the throne, he introduced the 'Divine theory of Kingship,' positing that the king is the earthly shadow of God, termed as Jille-ilahi.

Balban incorporated Iranian customs at the Delhi Sultanate court, such as Sizada (bowing down in front of the Sultan) and Paibos (kissing the Sultan's feet). He introduced the Iranian New Year festival, Navroz, and disbanded the Turkan-i-chahalgani (40 noble group). Additionally, he prohibited marriages between noble families.

To streamline the military, Balban established the centralized Diwan-i-Ariz department. During his rule, a Mongol branch approached the banks of the Indus River, but Balban's general Jalaluddin Khilji defeated them. Under Jalaluddin Khilji's influence, many Mongols embraced Islam and joined the Delhi Sultanate army, despite their previous adherence to Buddhism and Tengrism.

The renowned Sufi musician and poet Amir Khusrau adorned Balban's court. To address issues with Mewati Rajputs, Balban cleared dense forests around Delhi, hindering their ability to loot and escape unnoticed.

After Balban's death in 1286 AD, one of his sons ascended the throne. However, in 1290 AD, Jalaluddin Khilji ousted the slaves from power, establishing the Khilji dynasty. Kayumars, the last slave ruler, was later killed by Jalaluddin Khilji.

Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320 AD)

Jalaluddin Khilji (1290-1296 AD):

Upon ascending to power, Jalaluddin Khilji faced a significant challenge from his nephew, Alauddin Khilji. In an attempt to strengthen his position, Jalaluddin married his daughter Mehrunissa to Alauddin. However, Alauddin acted independently by invading Devagiri of the Yadav dynasty without the Sultan's permission and withholding the looted wealth Khumsa from him.

During Jalaluddin's return from an expedition to Bengal, he visited Alauddin, who subsequently assassinated him. Despite being illiterate, Alauddin Khilji, like Akbar and Haider Ali, demonstrated intelligence and strategic acumen.

Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316 AD):

Upon assuming power, Alauddin Khilji set his sights on annexing and invading Gujarat. During his campaign in Gujarat, he encountered Hazar Dinari, whom he purchased for 1000 dinars. This individual later became known as Malik Kafur, rising to the position of General in Alauddin's army and becoming his most trusted aide.

After Gujarat, Alauddin led a three-month siege on the Ranthambore fort. Eventually, his forces breached the fort, selectively targeting and killing its male inhabitants. Faced with this dire situation, the women of the fort chose to perform an en-masse Jauhar, preserving their dignity, honor, and self-respect. Amir Khusro acknowledged Jauhar as an act of bravery by the women.

Alauddin further expanded his territory by treacherously annexing Chittorgarh from Kunwar Ratansen. With a strengthened position in the north and west, Alauddin turned his attention to southern territories. His general Malik Kafur invaded Devagiri of the Yadava, Warangal of the Kakatiya, Dwara Samudra of the Hoysala, and Mabar of the Pandyas. The Kakatiya ruler of Warangal, Prataprudra, presented the famed Kohinoor diamond to Alauddin.

Alauddin Khilji implemented noteworthy initiatives, earning a reputation as a master of market reforms. He classified markets into three categories, standardizing weights and measures and fixing prices for basic commodities. Land measurement and high taxes, reaching up to 50%, were introduced during his reign. Alauddin initiated the Dagh system for branding horses and the Chehra/Huliya system for recording the physical appearance of soldiers.

He effectively utilized the Banjara community for trade in different regions. Notably, Alauddin's reign witnessed instances of Jauhar, a self-sacrifice to preserve dignity, such as the one in the Ranthambore fort. Another practice, the Shak Pratha, involved a soldier taking his own life when facing imminent death at the hands of the enemy, exemplified by King Raja Hamirdev in front of the temple of Lord Shiva.

 

Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 AD)

Giyasuddhin Tughlaq (1320-1324 AD):

Giyasuddhin Tughlaq established the Tughlaq dynasty in 1320, but his relationship with the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya was strained. Nizamuddin Auliya remarked on Giyasuddhin Tughlaq's Bengal expedition, saying 'Delhi door haste' or 'Delhi is still far for you.' Despite this, Giyasuddhin Tughlaq gained substantial war booty and elephants from the Bengal campaign.

During a celebratory event for the victorious army, organized by his son Jauna Khan, a massive wooden platform was constructed just outside Delhi. Unfortunately, when elephants were mounted on this platform, it collapsed, resulting in the death of Giyasuddhin Tughlaq. This event led to Jauna Khan ascending as the next Delhi Sultan, adopting the title Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq.

 

Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq (1324-1351 AD):

Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq possessed a complex personality marked by contradictions. On one hand, he was a learned individual proficient in multiple languages, while on the other hand, he gained notoriety for his cruelty and the imposition of extreme forms of capital punishment. His rule was characterized by ambitious endeavors and a penchant for experimentation, though these initiatives largely ended in failure.

Among his noteworthy experiments were:

1. Tax Increase in Ganga-Yamuna Doab:

Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq elevated taxes in the Ganga-Yamuna doab region. However, an unfortunate coincidence occurred as the area experienced a severe drought and famine that year. The peasants refused to pay, leading to the eventual withdrawal of the taxes.

2. Capital Transfer from Delhi to Daulatabad:

Seeking a central location far from Mongol threats, Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq attempted to transfer the capital to Daulatabad. However, this experiment faltered due to water scarcity in Daulatabad, and nobles expressed nostalgia for Delhi.

3. Khorasan Expedition:

Wanting to expand his territory northwards, Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq planned an expedition to Khorasan amid infighting in the region's court. Despite significant preparations, the war did not materialize on the ground, resulting in substantial financial losses for Tughlaq.

4. Kurachil Expedition:

To quell revolts and punish those who had fled to Kurachil, Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq dispatched forces, yet this endeavor proved unsuccessful.

5. Token Currency Issuance:

Faced with a scarcity of silver globally, Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq attempted to address the issue by releasing token currency made of copper and bronze, valued at the same rate as silver and gold. Unfortunately, this experiment failed due to widespread forging and duplication of the currency, with Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq himself being involved in its forgery.

Despite his intellectual capabilities, Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq's reign is often remembered for the ambitious yet futile nature of his experiments and initiatives.

Other Initiatives of Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq:-

1. Creation of Diwan-i-Kohi:

He established a distinct department for agriculture known as Diwan-i-Kohi.

2. Credit Facility – "Taccavi"

Under the Diwan-i-Kohi, Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq introduced a credit facility offering affordable agricultural loans, referred to as "Taccavi," aimed at supporting the rural population.

3. Revolts and Kingdom Establishments:

Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq faced around 23 revolts during his reign, with only two being successfully quelled by him. These uprisings contributed to the founding of the Vijayanagara Kingdom in 1336 and the Bahmani Kingdom in 1347.

4. Visit of Ibn Batuta:

Renowned Moroccan Arab traveler Ibn Batuta visited Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq's court during his reign. His experiences and observations of Tughlaq's rule were documented in his famous book "Rehala."

 

Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388 AD):

Faced with the challenge of restoring the glory of the Delhi Sultanate, Firuz Shah Tughlaq implemented various measures to garner the support of the nobility. To secure their backing, he made the "Iqta system" hereditary and became a patron of the orthodox Islamic tradition. Firuz Shah also put an end to the imposition of extreme forms of capital punishment.

Among the notable initiatives of Firuz Shah Tughlaq:

1. Canal Irrigation:

Regarded as the father of canal irrigation in medieval India, he constructed five significant canals linked with the Yamuna River. Additionally, he created numerous "Baolis" for well irrigation.

2. Tax Reforms:

Firuz Shah abolished several taxes and streamlined the system, imposing only four taxes:

1. Jizya Tax: A protection tax imposed on non-Muslims.
2. Khumsa: Tax on looted wealth during war.
3. Kharaj: Land tax.
4. Zakat: Tax on the income of Muslims for charity and the promotion of Islam.

3. Changes in Jizya Tax:

 Previously exempted, Brahmins were now required to pay the jizya tax.

4. Department of Charity - "Diwan-i-Khairat":

Firuz Shah established a department of charity known as "Diwan-i-Khairat," providing financial assistance to the poor for the marriage of their daughters.

5. Public Hospitals and Mango Gardens:

He created public hospitals and planted numerous mango gardens in North India.

After Firuz Shah Tughlaq's death, the weak rulers of the Tughlaq dynasty were unable to defend the Delhi Sultanate. In 1398 AD, Turkish invader Amir Timur attacked Delhi, revealing the vulnerability of the Sultanate to the world. Timur's general, Khizra Khan, subsequently uprooted the Tughlaq dynasty from Delhi in 1414, leading to the establishment of the Sayyid dynasty in the region.

 

Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 AD):

The Sayyid Dynasty, spanning from 1414 to 1451 AD, is noteworthy mainly for Khizra Khan, its prominent ruler. Khizra Khan declared himself the caretaker of Timur's son Shahrukh, holding a crucial role in the dynasty.

 

Lodhi Dynasty (1451-1526 AD):

Founded by Behlol Lodhi (1451-1489 AD), the Lodhi Dynasty marked the emergence of the first Afghan-based rule in the Delhi Sultanate. Behlol Lodhi established a policy where only friends and family from the Afghan community would be appointed to high official positions.

His successor, Sikandar Lodhi (1489-1517 AD), modified this rule and laid the groundwork for the city of Agra. He introduced a new unit of measurement called "Ghaj-i-Sikandri."

The last ruler of the Lodhi Dynasty, Ibrahim Lodhi (1517-1526 AD), departed from the previous policy by diluting the influence of friends and family. His arrogance led to conflicts within the ruling elite, particularly with his uncle Daulat Lodhi. Daulat Lodhi, feeling humiliated, sought help from Zahiruddin Babur to challenge Ibrahim Lodhi.

Despite Babur commanding a significantly smaller army, about one-tenth the size of Ibrahim Lodhi's formidable force, he employed intelligent strategies, including the use of cannons – a novelty in India. In the first Battle of Panipat (1526 AD), Babur's strategic acumen, especially the deployment of Tulughma, led to a decisive victory over Ibrahim Lodhi. This historic battle marked the establishment of Mughal rule in India.

 

Important Administrative Departments of Delhi Sultanate:-

• Diwan-i-Wizarat: Department of Finance
• Diwan-i-Insha: Department of Correspondence
• Diwan-i-Bandagan: Department of Slaves
• Diwan-i-Ariz: Department of Military
• Diwan-i-Kohi: Department of Agriculture
• Diwan-i-Muniha: Department of Intelligence/Spy
• Diwan-i-Mustakhraj: Department of Collection of arrears
• Diwan-i-Risalat: Department of Foreign Affairs and spread of Islam
• Diwan-i-Qazi: Department of Justice
• Diwan-i-Khairat: Department of charity