0Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388 CE)
Firoz Shah Tughlaq, the third ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty, succeeded his cousin Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1351 CE. His reign marks a distinct phase in the Delhi Sultanate characterized by administrative reforms, infrastructural development, and attempts to restore order after the turbulent rule of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Early Life and Accession
- Firoz Shah was the son of Rajab, the younger brother of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, and thus belonged to the royal Tughlaq family.
- He ascended the throne after the death of Muhammad bin Tughlaq during an expedition to Sindh in 1351 CE.
- His reign lasted for 37 years, marked by relative peace and prosperity compared to his predecessor’s troubled rule.
Administrative Reforms
Firoz Shah Tughlaq is often regarded as one of the most reform-oriented rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. His administrative system was based on benevolence, efficiency, and order.
- Revenue Reforms:
- Introduced a fair taxation system based on iqta (land assignments).
- He abolished many oppressive taxes imposed by Muhammad bin Tughlaq, such as ghari (house tax) and charai (pasture tax).
- Emphasized jizya on non-Muslims, collecting it rigorously as per Islamic law.
- Irrigation and Agriculture:
- Constructed a large number of canals for irrigation, such as the Yamuna Canal, Ghaggar Canal, and Sutlej Canal, boosting agricultural productivity.
- Established new towns near fertile lands, e.g., Firozabad, Hisar Firoza, and Jaunpur.
- Public Works:
- Built hospitals (Dar-ul-Shifa), rest houses (Sarais), and orphanages (Dar-ul-Khairat).
- Repaired many old monuments including the Qutub Minar and Ashokan pillars (brought from Topra and Meerut to Delhi).
Economic Policies
- His reign saw economic stability due to reduced wars and sound revenue administration.
- Introduced Diwan-i-Khairat (department for charity) and Diwan-i-Bandagan (department for slaves).
- Collected revenue in kind and cash and maintained detailed records of land and crops.
- Promoted trade and crafts but discouraged luxurious court life to reduce expenditure.
Social and Religious Policy
- Firoz Shah was a staunch orthodox Sunni Muslim.
- Followed the Sharia strictly and reimposed Islamic law on administration and society.
- Banned practices considered un-Islamic, such as wine drinking, gambling, and public celebrations of Hindu festivals.
- He reimposed the jizya tax even on Brahmins and gave high posts to ulema (religious scholars).
- Patronized Islamic education, establishing madrasas for the teaching of Quran, Hadith, and law.
Slavery Policy
- Maintained one of the largest numbers of slaves in Indian history — nearly 1,80,000 slaves.
- Created the department Diwan-i-Bandagan to manage and train them for administrative, military, and household purposes.
- His policy aimed to ensure loyalty and efficiency in service to the state.
Relations with Nobility and Provinces
- Tried to maintain cordial relations with the nobility by granting hereditary iqtas (land assignments) to nobles and officers.
- However, this weakened the central authority in the long run, as it promoted feudal tendencies.
- Avoided large-scale military campaigns; instead focused on internal stability and administration.
Cultural and Architectural Contributions
- Firoz Shah was a great builder. Major architectural works include:
- Firoz Shah Kotla (his new capital at Delhi).
- Tombs, mosques, and palaces at Hisar and Jaunpur.
- Renovation of Ashokan pillars and construction of numerous sarais, bridges, and gardens.
- His architecture reflected simplicity, strength, and Islamic austerity — unlike the grandeur of earlier Sultanate styles.
Assessment and Legacy
- Firoz Shah’s rule brought much-needed peace after the chaos of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign.
- His welfare measures and infrastructural works improved the economic condition of the people.
- However, his overemphasis on religion and hereditary iqtas weakened the central power and reduced the military strength of the Sultanate.
- After his death in 1388 CE, the Delhi Sultanate plunged into anarchy, leading to its decline and the rise of regional kingdoms.
Conclusion
Firoz Shah Tughlaq stands out as a ruler who combined administrative reform, economic recovery, and religious orthodoxy. While he brought stability and prosperity to the Delhi Sultanate, his rigid religious policies and decentralization of power ultimately weakened the empire. His reign represents both the revival and the beginning of the decline of the Tughlaq dynasty — a crucial phase in medieval Indian history for UPSC aspirants to analyze critically.
