Delhi Sultanate

Evidence about the Delhi Sultanate:

 Delhi Sultanate is an important period in Indian history illuminated by various historical texts that provide valuable insights into the cultural, political, and religious dynamics of the time.

1. 1. “Tariq-al-Hind“, composed by al-Beruni, explores Indian philosophy and religion, providing an Arabic perspective on the cultural nuances of the region.
   2. “Tabaqat-i-Najiri” (1260), composed by Minhaj-us-Siraj  , provides a comprehensive view of world Islamic history in Arabic.
   3. Zia’s “Tarikh-i-Feroz Shahi” (1357),  is a historical story narrating the reigns up to Feroz Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate, highlighting the political developments of the time.
   4. Amir Khusrau‘s writings excel in Persian, including  “Mifta ul Futu” on Jalaluddin Khalji’s conquests and  “Ul Futu” on Alauddin Khalji’s conquests.
   5. “Tughlaq Nama” stands out as a historical document narrating the Tughlaq dynasty in Persian, providing a detailed story of its reign.
   6.  “Tariq-e-Feroz Shahi”, composed by Shams-e-Siraj Afif, incorporates Barani’s notes on the Persian account of the Delhi Sultanate.
   7. Ghulam Yahya, bin Ahmad’s  “Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi”, composed  in Persian  during the reign of Sayyid ruler Mubarak Shah, tells  of the period with its historical insights.
   8. Finally, Ferishta’s “History of Islamic Rule in India” in Persian serves as a comprehensive overview of Islamic rule in India  .

                              These diverse sources, written in different languages and written from different angles, collectively contribute to a nuanced understanding of the Delhi Sultanate, providing a mosaic of historical narratives that enrich our appreciation of this significant era in Indian history.

Delhi Sultanate Origin:

                               The Islamic State (Delhi Sultanate) emerged from the 13th century to the early 16th century  .As a result, Islamic cultures began to dominate India.The Sultanat rule contributed to the economic and cultural development of India, paving the way for the emergence of a multicultural culture.The Arabs were engaged in maritime trade even before the advent of Islam.They carried on maritime trade in all parts of India.

                               Later they settled on the west and east coasts of South India.The Arabs who married Malabar women and migrated there were  called ‘grooms‘.The Arab invasion began in 712. Following this, Rajini and  Ghori invaded and looted the wealth.The Shah of Khurasan and later Genghis Khan invaded Afghanistan and paved the way for the Sultanate of North India.The Mongols then  invaded and  destroyed the Ghori Sultanate and Ghazni. They then looted the treasury of King Sultan Nasiruddin Kubacha.Thus, the Muslims who invaded India ruled the Indian provinces with Delhi as their capital for four centuries.The Delhi Sultanate during this period was not ruled by a single dynasty. It was ruled by people from five different dynasties.

Major dynasties and rulers of the Delhi Sultanate

1. 1. Slave dynasty or Mamluk dynasty
   2. Khalji Dynasty
   3. Tughlaq dynasty
   4. Sayyid dynasty
   5. Lodi dynasty

Slave Dynasty or Mamluk Dynasty: (1206–1290)

                              Muslim rule in India was established by Muhammad Ghori in the 12th century CE. Ghori had no heirs.After Ghori’s death in 1206, Qutb-ud-din Aibak of a  slave dynasty named  ‘Pandakan‘ proclaimed himself the king.He started the rule of slave dynasties.He founded the Mamluk dynasty . ‘Mamluk’ is an Arabic word  meaning ‘slave’.They were a slave dynasty and ruled for 84 years.

Mamluk Dynasty Rulers:

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Khalji Dynasty (1290 -1320): Delhi Sultanate

                    The Khilji Dynasty, ruling from 1290 to 1320, emerged after Jalaluddin Khilji overthrew the last ruler of the Slave Dynasty.Under Ala-ud-din Khilji, the empire expanded through successful military campaigns and established a centralized administration.They maintained a strong military and implemented policies to enhance internal security.The dynasty witnessed significant cultural and architectural developments, blending Persian, Turkish, and Indian influences.The assassination of Sultan Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Shah in 1320 marked the end of the Khilji Dynasty, leading to the rise of the Tughlaq Dynasty.

Khalji Dynasty Rulers:

Khilji Dynasty Military campaigns:

• • Mongols: Defeated the invaders six times.
  • The conquest of Gujarat became possible as Alauddin sent an army under two of his generals, Nusrat Khan and Ulugh Khan, to conquer Gujarat in 1299.
  • Ranthambre: It is considered to be the strongest fortress in Rajasthan. Initially, the Khalji army suffered losses and Nusrat Khan lost his life as well. In 1301 CE, the fort fell to Alauddin.
  • Chittor: Conquered in 1303, Raja Ratan Singh and women performed Jauhar (controversial intent).
  • Malwa: Conquered in 1305, annexed Ujjain, Mandu, Chanderi  ,  and Dhar.
  • Shivana: In 1308, conquered Raja Sital Deva was defeated.
  • Jalore: Annexed in 1311, became the master of North India.
  • Devagiri: Rai Ramchandra, captured in 1306-07, surrendered with honour.
  • Warangal: Defeated Prataparudra Deva in 1309  and gained great wealth.
  • Hoysalas: Defeated Vira Walla III and captured large booty.
  • He reached Rameswaram, built a mosque and returned with great wealth.

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Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414): Delhi Sultanate

• The Tughlaq dynasty, which spread from 1320 to 1414, found each of the rulers uniquely contributing to the history of the Delhi Sultanate.

Tughlaq Dynasty Rulers:

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Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 AD): Delhi Sultanate

                             Sayyid Dynasty succeeded the Tughlaq Dynasty as the fourth ruling family of the Delhi Sultanate, reigning from 1414 to 1451 for a total of 37 years.Khizir Khan, who served as the governor of Multan and represented Timur in India, established the Sayyid Dynasty.The Sayyid Dynasty traced its lineage to a dynasty identifying itself as Sayyid or descended from Prophet Muhammad.The dynasty came to power during a period of significant unrest in Delhi and its surrounding regions.Khizr Khan, having been the governor of Multan under Firuz Shah Tughlaq, laid the foundation for the Sayyid Dynasty.Mubarak Shah’s death marked the beginning of the decline of the Dynasty.Bahlol Lodhi succeeded weak rulers like Muhammad Shah and Alauddin Alam Shah, eventually leading to the end of the Dynasty’s rule.The Sayyid family claimed descent from Prophet Muhammad through their daughter Fatima and son-in-law Ali.

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Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526):Delhi Sultanate

                           The Lodi dynasty was founded by the Afghan Khizali clan.Bahlol Lodi conquered the Punjab before entering Delhi.Bahlol Lodi seized the throne of Delhi in 1451, adopted the name “Bahlol Shah Ghazi” and overthrew the Sharqi Empire.Sikandar Lodi succeeded Bahlol Lodi on 15 July 1489 amid a power struggle with his elder brother Parbak Shah.Sikandar Lodhi demolished the Indian temples at Mathura andNaga port and imposed Jasya on the Hindus to establish the supremacy of Islam.Raja Man Singh successfully defended the fort of Gwalior against Sikandar Lodi’s attempts to seize control.Ibrahim Khan Lodi succeeded Sikandar Lodi after a succession conflict with his elder brother Jalal-ud-din, who died in 1517.

Lodi Dynasty Ruler:

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