Introduction – The Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate

• Delhi became an important political center in the 12th century.
• Several rulers, including Rajputs and Turks, fought to control Delhi.
• In 1192 CE, Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan (Battle of Tarain) and laid the foundation for Muslim rule in Delhi.
• Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206 CE), one of Ghori’s generals, became the first Sultan of Delhi, starting the Delhi Sultanate.

The Five Dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate lasted from 1206 to 1526 CE and was ruled by five major dynasties:

1. Slave Dynasty (1206–1290 CE)

• Founder: Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206 CE).
• Iltutmish (1211–1236 CE) – Strengthened the empire and introduced iqta system (land grants).
• Razia Sultan (1236–1240 CE) – The first and only woman ruler of Delhi.

2. Khalji Dynasty (1290–1320 CE)

• Jalal-ud-din Khalji (Founder) – Established the dynasty.
• Alauddin Khalji (1296–1316 CE) – Expanded the empire and introduced economic reforms.

3. Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414 CE)

• Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq (Founder) – Strengthened administration.
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351 CE) – Known for shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (failed policy).
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388 CE) – Built canals, hospitals, and schools.

4. Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451 CE)

• Weakened rulers who ruled after the Timur invasion (1398 CE).

5. Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526 CE)

• Bahlul Lodi (Founder) – Expanded the empire.
• Ibrahim Lodi (Last Sultan) – Defeated by Babur in 1526 CE (First Battle of Panipat), leading to the rise of the Mughal Empire.

Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate – Military Campaigns

• The Sultans used military campaigns to expand their empire.
• They defeated Rajputs, Mongols, and South Indian rulers.

Major Military Campaigns

• Alauddin Khalji defeated Rajput kingdoms like Chittor.
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq attempted to expand into South India.
• The Sultans constantly fought against Mongol invasions from Central Asia.

Administration and Governance Under the Sultans

The Delhi Sultans developed a centralized administration to govern the vast empire.

1. Central Administration

• Sultan (King) – Supreme ruler and lawmaker.
• Wazir (Prime Minister) – Head of the finance department.
• Amirs and Nobles – High-ranking officials.

2. Provincial Administration

• The empire was divided into provinces (Iqta system), ruled by Iqtedars (Governors).
• Qazis (Judges) ensured justice according to Islamic law.

3. Revenue and Taxation

• Alauddin Khalji introduced price controls and land revenue reforms.
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq increased taxes in the Doab region, leading to revolts.

Social and Economic Changes During the Sultanate Period

• Trade and commerce grew, connecting India to the Middle East and Central Asia.
• Many new cities like Delhi, Daulatabad, and Jaunpur developed.

1. Social Structure

• Hindus and Muslims coexisted, but social divisions remained.
• Artisans and traders gained economic importance.
• Caste system and untouchability continued in Hindu society.

2. Economic Growth

• Markets and trade flourished under the Sultans.
• Indian textiles, spices, and handicrafts were exported to foreign lands.
• Alauddin Khalji controlled market prices to avoid food shortages.

Architecture and Cultural Contributions of the Delhi Sultans

• The Delhi Sultans built magnificent forts, mosques, and tombs.
• They introduced Persian, Arabic, and Turkish cultural influences.

1. Architectural Contributions

• Qutb Minar (Delhi) – Built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, later completed by Iltutmish.
• Alai Darwaza (Delhi) – Built by Alauddin Khalji, showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture.
• Hauz Khas and Firoz Shah Kotla – Built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

2. Cultural and Literary Contributions

• Persian language became the official court language.
• Historians like Zia-ud-din Barani wrote about Delhi Sultanate rule.
• Urdu language developed, combining Persian, Arabic, and Hindi.

Decline of the Delhi Sultanate – Causes and Consequences

The Delhi Sultanate declined due to weak rulers, constant revolts, and foreign invasions.

1. Causes of Decline

• Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s failed policies weakened the empire.
• Timur’s invasion (1398 CE) destroyed Delhi.
• Weak rulers of the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties led to instability.
• Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in 1526 CE, ending the Sultanate and starting Mughal rule.

2. Consequences of Decline

• The Mughal Empire replaced the Delhi Sultanate.
• Delhi remained an important cultural and trade center.
• Regional kingdoms (Rajputs, Vijayanagar, Bahmani Sultanate) gained power.

Conclusion

• The Delhi Sultanate was established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206 CE.
• Five major dynasties ruled Delhi: Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi.
• Sultans expanded their empire through military campaigns.
• The administration was well-organized, using the Iqta system for revenue collection.
• Trade, culture, and Persian influence grew during this period.
• The Delhi Sultanate declined due to weak rulers, foreign invasions, and internal conflicts.