Introduction:
Muhammad bin Tughluq was the Sultan of Delhi from 1325 to 1351. While he was known for his intelligence and administrative skills, he became an unpopular ruler due to a series of controversial policies and decisions. These decisions had far-reaching consequences and contributed to his unpopularity among his subjects.

1. Shifting Capital:
One of the major reasons for Muhammad bin Tughluq's unpopularity was his decision to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, which proved to be a disastrous move. This decision not only caused immense hardship to the people but also resulted in a loss of revenue and weakened the central authority. The forced migration of the population led to a decline in agricultural productivity and a subsequent famine.

2. Heavy taxation:
To fund his ambitious projects and military campaigns, Muhammad bin Tughluq imposed heavy taxes on the people. The burden of these taxes fell disproportionately on the peasants and commoners, leading to widespread discontent and economic hardships. The excessive taxation further worsened the already struggling economy.

3. Failed token currency:
Another ill-fated decision was the introduction of token currency. Muhammad bin Tughluq attempted to replace the existing currency with copper and brass coins that had a higher face value than their intrinsic value. This led to widespread confusion and loss of faith in the currency system. The failure of the token currency resulted in economic chaos and further eroded the Sultan's popularity.

4. Inconsistent policies:
Muhammad bin Tughluq was known for his unpredictable and inconsistent policies. He frequently changed his decisions and policies without proper consultation or consideration of the consequences. This lack of stability and coherence in governance created confusion and undermined the authority of the Sultan.

5. Military failures:
Muhammad bin Tughluq's military campaigns were largely unsuccessful, leading to a drain on resources and loss of territories. His failed attempts to conquer regions like Gujarat and the Deccan further weakened the empire and diminished his reputation as a capable ruler.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Muhammad bin Tughluq's unpopularity as a ruler can be attributed to his decision to shift the capital, heavy taxation, the failed token currency, inconsistent policies, and military failures. These factors not only caused immense suffering to the people but also weakened the empire both economically and politically. Muhammad bin Tughluq's legacy is marked by his unpopular decisions, which contributed to the decline and fragmentation of the Delhi Sultanate.