Best History Notes on Delhi Sultanate available for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025
Histoy-7
Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE)
Theme: Medieval Indian History – Establishment of Muslim Rule in India
The Delhi Sultanate marks the beginning of Islamic rule in northern India, with Delhi as its capital. It consisted of five successive dynasties, each contributing to the political, administrative, and cultural evolution of medieval India.
Chronology of the Delhi Sultanate
| Dynasty | Period | Notable Rulers |
| Mamluk (Slave) | 1206–1290 | Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, Razia Sultana, Balban |
| Khilji | 1290–1320 | Jalaluddin, Alauddin Khilji |
| Tughlaq | 1320–1414 | Ghiyasuddin, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Firoz Shah |
| Sayyid | 1414–1451 | Khizr Khan, Mubarak Shah |
| Lodi | 1451–1526 | Bahlol, Sikandar, Ibrahim Lodi |
Administrative and Cultural Significance
- Centralized administration with Persian as the official language
- Introduction of Iqta system (land revenue grants)
- Formation of standing army, use of cavalry and archery
- Indo-Islamic culture and architecture (e.g., Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza)
- Foundation for later Mughal administration
Key Rulers and Contributions
1. Iltutmish (1211–1236, Mamluk Dynasty)
Consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate
| Contribution | Detail |
| Capital | Made Delhi the political capital |
| Administration | Introduced Iqta system, built a centralised bureaucracy |
| Legal Status | Received recognition from the Caliph (legitimacy to rule) |
| Women in Power | Promoted Razia Sultana, the first and only woman ruler of Delhi |
| Architecture | Completed Qutub Minar, built Hauz-i-Shamsi |
2. Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316, Khilji Dynasty)
Strongest ruler of the Sultanate – known for military expansion and market reforms
| Contribution | Details |
| Military Reforms | Maintained a permanent standing army; Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive roll) system |
| Market Reforms | Price control over essential goods and military supplies |
| Expansion | Conquered Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittor; sent Malik Kafur to South India |
| Architecture | Alai Darwaza; expanded Siri Fort |
| Taxation | Heavy agrarian taxation, state monopoly over markets |
3. Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351, Tughlaq Dynasty)
Visionary but controversial ruler – known for ambitious experiments
| Initiative | Result |
| Transfer of Capital | Shifted capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (failed – logistical disaster) |
| Token Currency | Introduced brass/copper coins (without regulation) – led to counterfeiting |
| Taxation | Increased tax in Doab region even during famine – widespread discontent |
| Expansion Plans | Planned invasion of Khurasan and China, but cancelled later |
| Patronage | Encouraged scholars, built canals, promoted agriculture |
Historians view him as a brilliant mind with poor execution.
Later Dynasties in Brief
4. Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451)
- Established by Khizr Khan, governor of Multan
- Weak rulers, dependent on local nobles
- Decline of central authority and increase in provincial powers
5. Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526)
- First Afghan dynasty to rule from Delhi
- Bahlol Lodi consolidated rule
- Sikandar Lodi founded Agra; improved administration
- Ibrahim Lodi was unpopular; defeated by Babur in First Battle of Panipat (1526) → End of Sultanate, Rise of Mughal Empire
Key Military Events
| Event | Outcome |
| 1191–92: Battles of Tarain | Prithviraj Chauhan defeated and later killed by Muhammad Ghori |
| 1299–1310: South India Campaigns | Alauddin’s raids expanded Sultanate’s influence |
| 1398: Timur’s Invasion | Sack of Delhi, weakening the Tughlaqs |
| 1526: First Battle of Panipat | Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi – ended Delhi Sultanate, established Mughal rule |
Civil Services Mains Writing – Sample Opening Lines
“The Delhi Sultanate laid the foundations of Indo-Islamic governance in India, introducing Persian culture, centralized administration, and architectural innovations. Though politically fragmented across five dynasties, it contributed significantly to the subcontinent’s socio-political evolution and created conditions for the later Mughal consolidation.”
Keywords for Mains
- Iqta system
- Centralized military
- Indo-Islamic architecture
- Alauddin’s market regulations
- Muhammad Tughlaq’s experiments
- Persian influence on administration
- First Battle of Panipat (1526)
Conclusion
The Delhi Sultanate was more than just a political regime; it was a crucial period of transition between ancient and early modern India. Despite dynastic changes and internal weaknesses, it introduced new institutions, cultural synthesis, and a base for Mughal India.
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