0Delhi Sultanate
The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE) marks a significant phase in Indian history when a series of Turko-Afghan dynasties established and expanded Muslim rule in northern India. It laid the foundation for centralized governance, Indo-Islamic culture, and administrative innovations that influenced subsequent Mughal rule.
1. Establishment and Dynasties
The Delhi Sultanate was established after Muhammad Ghori’s death in 1206 CE, when his general Qutb-ud-din Aibak founded the first dynasty. The period witnessed five successive dynasties:
- Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty (1206–1290)
- Founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
- Iltutmish (1211–1236) consolidated the empire, introduced Iqta system, and made Delhi the capital.
- Razia Sultana (1236–1240) was the first and only woman ruler.
- Balban (1266–1287) strengthened monarchy and suppressed nobles through policy of blood and iron.
- Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320)
- Founded by Jalal-ud-din Khilji.
- Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316) expanded the empire into south India, reformed the economy, and implemented price control and market regulations.
- His general Malik Kafur led successful campaigns in Deccan.
- Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414)
- Founded by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq.
- Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq (1325–1351) known for ambitious but failed experiments like transfer of capital (Delhi to Daulatabad) and token currency.
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq focused on public works, irrigation, and established Diwan-i-Khairat and Diwan-i-Bandagan.
- Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451)
- Founded by Khizr Khan, a governor under Timur.
- The dynasty remained weak and confined to Delhi region.
- Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526)
- Founded by Bahlol Lodi.
- Sikandar Lodi strengthened administration and expanded territory.
- Ibrahim Lodi faced discontent among nobles; defeated by Babur in First Battle of Panipat (1526), ending the Sultanate.
2. Administration
- The Delhi Sultanate introduced a centralized bureaucratic system influenced by Persian models.
- The Sultan was the supreme authority, combining military, judicial, and executive powers.
- Important departments:
- Diwan-i-Wizarat – Finance
- Diwan-i-Arz – Military
- Diwan-i-Insha – Correspondence
- Diwan-i-Rasalat – Foreign and religious affairs
- The Iqta system granted revenue assignments to officials (iqtadars) in return for military and administrative services.
3. Economy and Society
- The agrarian economy depended on land revenue collected from peasants (raiyats).
- Alauddin Khilji’s reforms curbed market manipulation and standardized weights and measures.
- Trade flourished with Central Asia and Persia; coins like silver tanka and copper jital were introduced.
- Society was a blend of Turko-Afghan elites and Indian subjects; caste continued, but new groups like Sheikhs and Sayyids emerged.
- The status of women varied—some like Razia rose to power, but purdah system became more common.
4. Religion and Culture
- Islam became dominant in administration, but rulers followed religious tolerance for political stability.
- Sufi saints (like Nizamuddin Auliya) and Bhakti saints encouraged harmony between Hindus and Muslims.
- The Indo-Islamic culture led to growth of Urdu language, Persian literature, and architecture.
- Architectural landmarks:
- Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza, Tughlaqabad Fort, Lodi Gardens.
- Features included arches, domes, minarets, and calligraphy.
5. Decline
- Internal rivalries among nobles, weak successors, and administrative corruption weakened the Sultanate.
- Regional kingdoms like Vijayanagara and Bahmani gained strength.
- Finally, Babur’s victory in 1526 ended the Delhi Sultanate and paved the way for the Mughal Empire.
Conclusion
The Delhi Sultanate was a transformative era in Indian history. It introduced centralized administration, Persian culture, urbanization, and Indo-Islamic architecture. Though often marked by military conflicts, it also laid the foundations of a composite culture and a strong administrative tradition that shaped medieval India.
