Introduction:
The Sultanate period in India began with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 CE by Qutub-ud-din Aibak. However, it was Firuz Tughlaq who initiated the policy of associating Indian Muslims with administration.

Firuz Tughlaq:
- Firuz Tughlaq ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1351 to 1388 CE.
- He was the third ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty.
- Firuz Tughlaq was known for his administrative reforms and policies.
- He initiated the policy of associating Indian Muslims with administration.
- He appointed Hindus to high positions in the administration and military.
- Firuz Tughlaq also started the practice of granting lands to the scholars and Sufis.

Policy of associating Indian Muslims with administration:
- Before Firuz Tughlaq, the administration was dominated by the Turks and Afghans who had come to India as conquerors.
- Firuz Tughlaq realized that the local Muslims who had converted to Islam were being ignored in the administration.
- He started appointing Indian Muslims to high positions in the administration.
- This policy helped in creating a sense of belonging among the Indian Muslims and also helped in integrating them into the mainstream society.

Impact of the policy:
- The policy of associating Indian Muslims with administration helped in creating a sense of unity among the diverse communities of India.
- It also helped in creating a new class of Indian Muslims who were loyal to the Sultan and the Delhi Sultanate.
- The policy also helped in reducing the influence of the Turkish and Afghan nobles who were often at loggerheads with each other.

Conclusion:
Firuz Tughlaq's policy of associating Indian Muslims with administration was a significant step towards creating a sense of unity among the diverse communities of India. The policy helped in integrating the Indian Muslims into the mainstream society and reducing the influence of the Turkish and Afghan nobles.

B) Firuz Tughlaq