Medieval India — (B) The Delhi Sultanate — Question 7
Back to all questionsThe Sultan himself was the commander-in-chief of the army during the Sultanate period.
The department which dealt with state correspondence during the Sultanate period was the diwan-i-insha.
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.