Medieval India — (B) The Delhi Sultanate — Question 1
Back to all questionsWith reference to the Khilji Dynasty, answer the following questions:
(a) What were the steps taken by Alauddin Khilji to regulate prices?
(b) What were the methods adopted by Alauddin Khilji to crush the power of the nobility?
(c) What measures did Alauddin Khilji take to increase the revenue?
(a) The steps taken by Alauddin Khilji to regulate prices were:
- He fixed the cost of all commodities such as foodgrains, sugar and cooking oil.
- He set up three different markets at Delhi — one market for food grains, the second for costly cloth and the third for horses, slaves and cattle. Each market was put under the charge of a controller of market or Shahna.
- There were strict punishments for cheating and underweighing goods.
(b) Alauddin Khilji had to face a series of rebellions from the nobles. That's why he took steps to crush their power. The methods adopted by Alauddin Khilji to crush the power of the nobility were:
- The nobles were not allowed to hold functions or parties or to form marriage alliances without the permission of the Sultan.
- The use of wine and intoxicants was banned.
- Gambling was forbidden and gamblers were severely punished.
- He started paying soldiers in cash instead of land.
- He established an efficient spy system to keep a check on the activities of the nobles.
(c) The measures Alauddin Khilji took to increase the revenue were:
- He brought all the land of the empire under his direct control.
- He introduced the practice of measuring the land and fixed the state share accordingly.
- He increased the state revenue from one-third to one-half.
- He demanded the revenue in cash and not in kind.
- He appointed special officers for revenue collection.
Chapter Overview: The Delhi Sultanate
The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) was a period of Muslim rule in India established after Muhammad of Ghor’s conquests. Five dynasties ruled from Delhi: the Slave (Mamluk), Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties. The sultanate introduced new administrative systems, architectural styles (Indo-Islamic), and cultural synthesis between Hindu and Islamic traditions.
Key rulers include Qutbuddin Aibak (Qutub Minar), Iltutmish (consolidated the sultanate), Razia Sultan (first woman ruler of Delhi), Alauddin Khalji (market reforms, repelled Mongol invasions), Muhammad bin Tughlaq (controversial reforms like shifting capital and token currency), and Firoz Shah Tughlaq (patron of public works). The sultanate faced constant threats from Mongol invasions, provincial revolts, and Timur’s devastating invasion in 1398. It ended when Ibrahim Lodi was defeated by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
Board Exam Weightage: 5-6 marks | Difficulty: Moderate
Five Dynasties
| Dynasty | Period | Notable Rulers |
|---|---|---|
| Slave (Mamluk) | 1206–1290 | Aibak, Iltutmish, Razia, Balban |
| Khalji | 1290–1320 | Alauddin Khalji |
| Tughlaq | 1320–1414 | Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Firoz Shah |
| Sayyid | 1414–1451 | Khizr Khan |
| Lodi | 1451–1526 | Ibrahim Lodi (defeated at Panipat) |
Must-Know Concepts
- Alauddin’s Reforms: Market control (fixed prices, spies), military reforms, revenue reforms (50% land tax), repelled Mongol invasions
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s Experiments: Shifting capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, token currency (copper coins for silver), and taxation of the Doab — all failed
- Indo-Islamic Architecture: Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza, Tughlaqabad Fort — blend of Hindu and Islamic styles
- Administration: Sultan held absolute power; supported by nobles; iqta system (land grants to officials)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Calling Muhammad bin Tughlaq mad — his ideas were ahead of his time but poorly implemented
- Confusing Iltutmish (consolidated sultanate, completed Qutub Minar) with Aibak (began Qutub Minar)
- Forgetting Razia Sultan when asked about the Slave Dynasty
Scoring Tips
- For Alauddin Khalji, cover: market reforms, military reforms, and Mongol defence
- Discuss Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s schemes with why each failed for maximum marks
- Know the sequence of dynasties and their approximate periods
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Alauddin Khalji’s market reforms?
He fixed prices for all goods, created separate markets for grain, cloth, horses, and cattle, appointed controllers (shahna), and used spies to prevent cheating. Prices remained stable during his reign.
Why did Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s token currency fail?
He introduced copper coins at par with silver but did not control counterfeiting. People made fake coins at home, the treasury was flooded with worthless copper, and the scheme had to be withdrawn at great loss.
How did the Delhi Sultanate end?
The last Sultan, Ibrahim Lodi, was defeated by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Babur used gunpowder weapons and the tulughma (flanking) strategy to defeat the much larger Lodi army, founding the Mughal Empire.