TN History Textbook: Delhi Sultanate | Old & New NCERTs for IAS Preparation (Must Read) - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


173 172
3. Second Ilbari dynasty (1266-1290) founded by Balban.
Qutbuddin Aibak (1206-1210)
Qutbuddin Aibak was a slave of
Muhammad Ghori, who made him the Governor
of his Indian possessions. He set up his military
headquarters at Indraprasta, near Delhi. He raised
a standing army and established his hold over north
India even during the life time of Ghori. After the
death of Ghori in 1206, Aibak declared his
independence. He severed all connections with
the kingdom of Ghori and thus founded the Slave dynasty as well as the
Delhi Sultanate. He assumed the title Sultan and made Lahore his capital.
His rule lasted for a short period of four years. Muslim writers call
Aibak Lakh Baksh or giver of lakhs because he gave liberal donations
to them. Aibak patronized the great scholar Hasan Nizami. He also
started the construction of  after the name of a famous Sufi saint Khwaja
Qutbuddin Bakthiyar. It was later completed by Iltutmish. Aibak died
suddenly while playing chaugan (horse polo) in 1210. He was
succeeded by his son Aram Baksh, who was replaced by Iltutmish
after eight months.
Iltutmish (1211-1236)
Iltutmish belonged to the Ilbari tribe and
hence his dynasty was named as Ilbari dynasty.
His half brothers sold him as a slave to Aibak,
who made him his-son-in law by giving his
daughter in marriage to him. Later Aibak
appointed him as iqtadar of Gwalior. In 1211
Iltutmish defeated Aram Baksh and became
Sultan. He shifted his capital from Lahore to
Delhi. During the first ten years of his reign he
concentrated on securing his throne from his
QUTB MINAR 
The Muslim invasions into India had ultimately resulted in the
establishment of Delhi Sultanate which existed from A.D. 1206 to
1526. Five different dynasties – the Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyids
and Lodis – ruled under the Delhi Sultanate. Not only they extended
their rule over North India, but also they penetrated into the Deccan
and South India. Their rule in India resulted in far-reaching changes
in society, administration and cultural life.
Slave Dynasty
The Slave dynasty was also called Mamluk dynasty. Mamluk
was the Quranic term for slave. The Slave dynasty ruled Delhi from
A.D. 1206 to 1290. In fact, three dynasties were established during
this period. They were
1. Qutbi dynasty (1206-1211) founded by Qutbuddin Aibak.
2. First Ilbari dynasty (1211- 1266) founded by Iltutmish.
LESSON 16
DELHI SULTANATE
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. Political History of Delhi Sultanate.
2. Slave Dynasty – Aibak, Iltutmish, Raziya, Balban.
3. Khaljis – Alauddin Khalji’s achievements.
4. Tughlaqs – Mahmud-bin-Tughlaq and his experiments.
5. Firoz Tughlaq and his administration.
6. Sayyids and Lodis.
Qutbuddin Aibak
Page 2


173 172
3. Second Ilbari dynasty (1266-1290) founded by Balban.
Qutbuddin Aibak (1206-1210)
Qutbuddin Aibak was a slave of
Muhammad Ghori, who made him the Governor
of his Indian possessions. He set up his military
headquarters at Indraprasta, near Delhi. He raised
a standing army and established his hold over north
India even during the life time of Ghori. After the
death of Ghori in 1206, Aibak declared his
independence. He severed all connections with
the kingdom of Ghori and thus founded the Slave dynasty as well as the
Delhi Sultanate. He assumed the title Sultan and made Lahore his capital.
His rule lasted for a short period of four years. Muslim writers call
Aibak Lakh Baksh or giver of lakhs because he gave liberal donations
to them. Aibak patronized the great scholar Hasan Nizami. He also
started the construction of  after the name of a famous Sufi saint Khwaja
Qutbuddin Bakthiyar. It was later completed by Iltutmish. Aibak died
suddenly while playing chaugan (horse polo) in 1210. He was
succeeded by his son Aram Baksh, who was replaced by Iltutmish
after eight months.
Iltutmish (1211-1236)
Iltutmish belonged to the Ilbari tribe and
hence his dynasty was named as Ilbari dynasty.
His half brothers sold him as a slave to Aibak,
who made him his-son-in law by giving his
daughter in marriage to him. Later Aibak
appointed him as iqtadar of Gwalior. In 1211
Iltutmish defeated Aram Baksh and became
Sultan. He shifted his capital from Lahore to
Delhi. During the first ten years of his reign he
concentrated on securing his throne from his
QUTB MINAR 
The Muslim invasions into India had ultimately resulted in the
establishment of Delhi Sultanate which existed from A.D. 1206 to
1526. Five different dynasties – the Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyids
and Lodis – ruled under the Delhi Sultanate. Not only they extended
their rule over North India, but also they penetrated into the Deccan
and South India. Their rule in India resulted in far-reaching changes
in society, administration and cultural life.
Slave Dynasty
The Slave dynasty was also called Mamluk dynasty. Mamluk
was the Quranic term for slave. The Slave dynasty ruled Delhi from
A.D. 1206 to 1290. In fact, three dynasties were established during
this period. They were
1. Qutbi dynasty (1206-1211) founded by Qutbuddin Aibak.
2. First Ilbari dynasty (1211- 1266) founded by Iltutmish.
LESSON 16
DELHI SULTANATE
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. Political History of Delhi Sultanate.
2. Slave Dynasty – Aibak, Iltutmish, Raziya, Balban.
3. Khaljis – Alauddin Khalji’s achievements.
4. Tughlaqs – Mahmud-bin-Tughlaq and his experiments.
5. Firoz Tughlaq and his administration.
6. Sayyids and Lodis.
Qutbuddin Aibak
175 174
Iltutmish introduced the Arabic coinage into India and the silver tanka
weighing 175 grams became a standard coin in medieval India. The
silver tanka remained the basis of the modern rupee. Iltutmish had also
created a new class of ruling elite of forty powerful military leaders, the
Forty.
Raziya (1236-1240)
Although Iltutmish nominated his daughter Raziya as his
successor, the Qazi of Delhi and Wazir put Ruknuddin Feroz on the
throne. When the governor of Multan revolted, Ruknuddin marched
to suppress that revolt. Using this opportunity, Raziya with the
support of Amirs of Delhi seized the throne of Delhi Sultanate. She
appointed an Abyssinian slave Yakuth as Master of the Royal
Horses. Also, Raziya discarded the female apparel and held the
court with her face unveiled. She even went for hunting and led the
army. This aroused resentment among the Turkish nobles. In 1240,
Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda revolted against her. She went in
person to suppress the revolt but Altunia killed Yakuth and took
Raziya prisoner. In the meantime, the Turkish nobles put Bahram,
another son of Iltutmish on the throne. However, Raziya won over
her captor, Altunia, and after marrying him proceeded to Delhi. But
she was defeated and killed.
The fall of Raziya paved the way for the ascendancy of the
Forty. In the next six years, Bahram and Masud ruled Delhi. There
ensued a struggle for supremacy between the Sultans and the nobles.
In 1246 Balban succeeded in putting Nasiruddin Mahmud, a
younger son of Iltutmish, as Sultan.
Era of Balban (1246-1287)
Ghiyasuddin Balban, who was also known as Ulugh Khan,
served as Naib or regent to Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud. He also
strengthened his position by marrying his daughter to the Sultan.
Balban was all powerful in the administration but he had to face the
rivals. In the meantime, Temujin popularly known
as Chengiz Khan, the leader of the Mongols,
started invading Central Asia. He defeated
Jalaluddin Mangabarni, the ruler of Kwarizam.
Mangabarni crossed the river Indus and sought
asylum from Iltutmish. Iltutmish refused to give him
shelter in order to save his empire from the
onslaught of the Mongols. Fortunately for
Iltutmish, Chengiz Khan retuned home without
entering into India. In fact, the Mongol policy of
Iltutmish saved India from the wrath of Chengiz
Khan.
Iltutmish marched against Bengal and Bihar and reasserted
his control over them. He also annexed Sind and Multan into the
Delhi Sultanate. He suppressed the Rajput revolts and recovered
Ranthampur, Jalor, Ajmir and Gwalior. He led an expedition against
the Paramaras of Malwa but it was not successful.
Iltutmish was a great statesman. He received the mansur, the
letter of recognition, from the
Abbasid Caliph in 1229 by which he
became the legal sovereign ruler of
India. Later he nominated his
daughter Raziya as his successor.
Thus the hereditary succession to
Delhi Sultanate was initiated by
Iltutmish. He patronized many scholars and a number Sufi saints came
to India during his reign. Minhaj-us-Siraj, Taj-ud-din., Nizam-ul-mulk
Muhammad Janaidi, Malik Qutb-ud-din Hasan and Fakhrul-Mulk Isami
were his contemporary scholars who added grandeur to his court. Apart
from completing the construction of Qutb Minar at Delhi, the tallest
stone tower in India (238 ft.), he built a magnificent mosque at Ajmir.
SILVER TANKA OF ILTUTMISH 
PORTRAIT OF
CHENGIZ KHAN
Page 3


173 172
3. Second Ilbari dynasty (1266-1290) founded by Balban.
Qutbuddin Aibak (1206-1210)
Qutbuddin Aibak was a slave of
Muhammad Ghori, who made him the Governor
of his Indian possessions. He set up his military
headquarters at Indraprasta, near Delhi. He raised
a standing army and established his hold over north
India even during the life time of Ghori. After the
death of Ghori in 1206, Aibak declared his
independence. He severed all connections with
the kingdom of Ghori and thus founded the Slave dynasty as well as the
Delhi Sultanate. He assumed the title Sultan and made Lahore his capital.
His rule lasted for a short period of four years. Muslim writers call
Aibak Lakh Baksh or giver of lakhs because he gave liberal donations
to them. Aibak patronized the great scholar Hasan Nizami. He also
started the construction of  after the name of a famous Sufi saint Khwaja
Qutbuddin Bakthiyar. It was later completed by Iltutmish. Aibak died
suddenly while playing chaugan (horse polo) in 1210. He was
succeeded by his son Aram Baksh, who was replaced by Iltutmish
after eight months.
Iltutmish (1211-1236)
Iltutmish belonged to the Ilbari tribe and
hence his dynasty was named as Ilbari dynasty.
His half brothers sold him as a slave to Aibak,
who made him his-son-in law by giving his
daughter in marriage to him. Later Aibak
appointed him as iqtadar of Gwalior. In 1211
Iltutmish defeated Aram Baksh and became
Sultan. He shifted his capital from Lahore to
Delhi. During the first ten years of his reign he
concentrated on securing his throne from his
QUTB MINAR 
The Muslim invasions into India had ultimately resulted in the
establishment of Delhi Sultanate which existed from A.D. 1206 to
1526. Five different dynasties – the Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyids
and Lodis – ruled under the Delhi Sultanate. Not only they extended
their rule over North India, but also they penetrated into the Deccan
and South India. Their rule in India resulted in far-reaching changes
in society, administration and cultural life.
Slave Dynasty
The Slave dynasty was also called Mamluk dynasty. Mamluk
was the Quranic term for slave. The Slave dynasty ruled Delhi from
A.D. 1206 to 1290. In fact, three dynasties were established during
this period. They were
1. Qutbi dynasty (1206-1211) founded by Qutbuddin Aibak.
2. First Ilbari dynasty (1211- 1266) founded by Iltutmish.
LESSON 16
DELHI SULTANATE
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. Political History of Delhi Sultanate.
2. Slave Dynasty – Aibak, Iltutmish, Raziya, Balban.
3. Khaljis – Alauddin Khalji’s achievements.
4. Tughlaqs – Mahmud-bin-Tughlaq and his experiments.
5. Firoz Tughlaq and his administration.
6. Sayyids and Lodis.
Qutbuddin Aibak
175 174
Iltutmish introduced the Arabic coinage into India and the silver tanka
weighing 175 grams became a standard coin in medieval India. The
silver tanka remained the basis of the modern rupee. Iltutmish had also
created a new class of ruling elite of forty powerful military leaders, the
Forty.
Raziya (1236-1240)
Although Iltutmish nominated his daughter Raziya as his
successor, the Qazi of Delhi and Wazir put Ruknuddin Feroz on the
throne. When the governor of Multan revolted, Ruknuddin marched
to suppress that revolt. Using this opportunity, Raziya with the
support of Amirs of Delhi seized the throne of Delhi Sultanate. She
appointed an Abyssinian slave Yakuth as Master of the Royal
Horses. Also, Raziya discarded the female apparel and held the
court with her face unveiled. She even went for hunting and led the
army. This aroused resentment among the Turkish nobles. In 1240,
Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda revolted against her. She went in
person to suppress the revolt but Altunia killed Yakuth and took
Raziya prisoner. In the meantime, the Turkish nobles put Bahram,
another son of Iltutmish on the throne. However, Raziya won over
her captor, Altunia, and after marrying him proceeded to Delhi. But
she was defeated and killed.
The fall of Raziya paved the way for the ascendancy of the
Forty. In the next six years, Bahram and Masud ruled Delhi. There
ensued a struggle for supremacy between the Sultans and the nobles.
In 1246 Balban succeeded in putting Nasiruddin Mahmud, a
younger son of Iltutmish, as Sultan.
Era of Balban (1246-1287)
Ghiyasuddin Balban, who was also known as Ulugh Khan,
served as Naib or regent to Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud. He also
strengthened his position by marrying his daughter to the Sultan.
Balban was all powerful in the administration but he had to face the
rivals. In the meantime, Temujin popularly known
as Chengiz Khan, the leader of the Mongols,
started invading Central Asia. He defeated
Jalaluddin Mangabarni, the ruler of Kwarizam.
Mangabarni crossed the river Indus and sought
asylum from Iltutmish. Iltutmish refused to give him
shelter in order to save his empire from the
onslaught of the Mongols. Fortunately for
Iltutmish, Chengiz Khan retuned home without
entering into India. In fact, the Mongol policy of
Iltutmish saved India from the wrath of Chengiz
Khan.
Iltutmish marched against Bengal and Bihar and reasserted
his control over them. He also annexed Sind and Multan into the
Delhi Sultanate. He suppressed the Rajput revolts and recovered
Ranthampur, Jalor, Ajmir and Gwalior. He led an expedition against
the Paramaras of Malwa but it was not successful.
Iltutmish was a great statesman. He received the mansur, the
letter of recognition, from the
Abbasid Caliph in 1229 by which he
became the legal sovereign ruler of
India. Later he nominated his
daughter Raziya as his successor.
Thus the hereditary succession to
Delhi Sultanate was initiated by
Iltutmish. He patronized many scholars and a number Sufi saints came
to India during his reign. Minhaj-us-Siraj, Taj-ud-din., Nizam-ul-mulk
Muhammad Janaidi, Malik Qutb-ud-din Hasan and Fakhrul-Mulk Isami
were his contemporary scholars who added grandeur to his court. Apart
from completing the construction of Qutb Minar at Delhi, the tallest
stone tower in India (238 ft.), he built a magnificent mosque at Ajmir.
SILVER TANKA OF ILTUTMISH 
PORTRAIT OF
CHENGIZ KHAN
177 176
In 1279, Tughril Khan, the governor of Bengal revolted against
Balban. It was suppressed and he was beheaded. In the northwest
the Mongols reappeared and Balban sent his son Prince Mahmud
against them. But the prince was killed in the battle and it was a
moral blow to the Sultan. Balban died in 1287. He was undoubtedly
one of the main architects of the Delhi Sultanate. He enhanced the
power of the monarchy. However, he could not fully safeguard India
from the Mongol invasions.
When Balban died, one of his grandsons Kaiqubad was made
the Sultan of Delhi. After four years of incompetent rule, Jalaluddin
Khalji captured the throne of Delhi in 1290.
The Khalji Dynasty (1290-1320)
The advent of the Khalji dynasty marked the zenith of Muslim
imperialism in India. The founder of the Khalji dynasty was Jalaluddin
Khalji. He was seventy years old when he came to power. He was
generous and lenient. Malik Chhajju, nephew of Balban was allowed
to remain the governor of Kara. His leniency was misunderstood as
weakness. When Chhajju revolted, it was suppressed but he was
pardoned. When the thugs (robbers) looted the country, they were
allowed to go after a severe warning. In 1292 when Malik Chhajju
revolted for the second time, he was replaced by his son-in-law,
Alauddin Khalji. In 1296 Alauddin Khalji took
an expedition to Devagiri and returned to Kara.
During the reception there, Alauddin Khalji
treacherously murdered his father-in-law
Jalaluddin Khalji and usurped the throne of
Delhi.
Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316)
Alauddin Khalji made enormous gifts to
the hostile nobles and Amirs of Delhi to win
intrigues of his rivals in the royal court. He had overcome all the
difficulties. In 1266 Nasiruddin Mahmud died without issues and
Balban ascended the throne.
Balban’s experience as the regent made him to understand
the problems of Delhi Sultanate. He knew that the real threat to the
monarchy was from the nobles called the Forty. He was convinced
that only by enhancing the power and authority of the monarchy he
could face the problems. According to Balban the Sultan was God’s
shadow on earth and the recipient of divine grace. Balban introduced
rigorous court discipline and new customs such as prostration and
kissing the Sultan’s feet to prove his superiority over the nobles. He
also introduced the Persian festival of Nauroz to impress the nobles
and people with his wealth and power. He stood forth as the
champion of Turkish nobility. At the same time he did not share
power with other nobles. Indian Muslims were not given important
post in the government. He appointed spies to monitor the activities
of the nobles.
Balban was determined to break the power of the Forty, the
Turkish nobles. He spared only the most obedient nobles and
eliminated all others by fair or foul means. Malik Baqbaq, the
governor of Badaun, was publicly flogged for his cruelty towards
his servants. Haybat Khan, the governor of Oudh, was also punished
for killing a man who was drunk. Sher Khan, the governor of
Bhatinda was poisoned. Instead of expanding his kingdom, Balban
paid more attention to the restoration of law and order. He
established a separate military department - diwan-i-arz – and
reorganized the army. The outskirts of Delhi were often plundered
by the Mewatis. Balban took severe action against them and
prevented such robberies. Robbers were mercilessly pursued and
put to death. As a result, the roads became safe for travel.
Alauddin Khalji
Page 4


173 172
3. Second Ilbari dynasty (1266-1290) founded by Balban.
Qutbuddin Aibak (1206-1210)
Qutbuddin Aibak was a slave of
Muhammad Ghori, who made him the Governor
of his Indian possessions. He set up his military
headquarters at Indraprasta, near Delhi. He raised
a standing army and established his hold over north
India even during the life time of Ghori. After the
death of Ghori in 1206, Aibak declared his
independence. He severed all connections with
the kingdom of Ghori and thus founded the Slave dynasty as well as the
Delhi Sultanate. He assumed the title Sultan and made Lahore his capital.
His rule lasted for a short period of four years. Muslim writers call
Aibak Lakh Baksh or giver of lakhs because he gave liberal donations
to them. Aibak patronized the great scholar Hasan Nizami. He also
started the construction of  after the name of a famous Sufi saint Khwaja
Qutbuddin Bakthiyar. It was later completed by Iltutmish. Aibak died
suddenly while playing chaugan (horse polo) in 1210. He was
succeeded by his son Aram Baksh, who was replaced by Iltutmish
after eight months.
Iltutmish (1211-1236)
Iltutmish belonged to the Ilbari tribe and
hence his dynasty was named as Ilbari dynasty.
His half brothers sold him as a slave to Aibak,
who made him his-son-in law by giving his
daughter in marriage to him. Later Aibak
appointed him as iqtadar of Gwalior. In 1211
Iltutmish defeated Aram Baksh and became
Sultan. He shifted his capital from Lahore to
Delhi. During the first ten years of his reign he
concentrated on securing his throne from his
QUTB MINAR 
The Muslim invasions into India had ultimately resulted in the
establishment of Delhi Sultanate which existed from A.D. 1206 to
1526. Five different dynasties – the Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyids
and Lodis – ruled under the Delhi Sultanate. Not only they extended
their rule over North India, but also they penetrated into the Deccan
and South India. Their rule in India resulted in far-reaching changes
in society, administration and cultural life.
Slave Dynasty
The Slave dynasty was also called Mamluk dynasty. Mamluk
was the Quranic term for slave. The Slave dynasty ruled Delhi from
A.D. 1206 to 1290. In fact, three dynasties were established during
this period. They were
1. Qutbi dynasty (1206-1211) founded by Qutbuddin Aibak.
2. First Ilbari dynasty (1211- 1266) founded by Iltutmish.
LESSON 16
DELHI SULTANATE
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. Political History of Delhi Sultanate.
2. Slave Dynasty – Aibak, Iltutmish, Raziya, Balban.
3. Khaljis – Alauddin Khalji’s achievements.
4. Tughlaqs – Mahmud-bin-Tughlaq and his experiments.
5. Firoz Tughlaq and his administration.
6. Sayyids and Lodis.
Qutbuddin Aibak
175 174
Iltutmish introduced the Arabic coinage into India and the silver tanka
weighing 175 grams became a standard coin in medieval India. The
silver tanka remained the basis of the modern rupee. Iltutmish had also
created a new class of ruling elite of forty powerful military leaders, the
Forty.
Raziya (1236-1240)
Although Iltutmish nominated his daughter Raziya as his
successor, the Qazi of Delhi and Wazir put Ruknuddin Feroz on the
throne. When the governor of Multan revolted, Ruknuddin marched
to suppress that revolt. Using this opportunity, Raziya with the
support of Amirs of Delhi seized the throne of Delhi Sultanate. She
appointed an Abyssinian slave Yakuth as Master of the Royal
Horses. Also, Raziya discarded the female apparel and held the
court with her face unveiled. She even went for hunting and led the
army. This aroused resentment among the Turkish nobles. In 1240,
Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda revolted against her. She went in
person to suppress the revolt but Altunia killed Yakuth and took
Raziya prisoner. In the meantime, the Turkish nobles put Bahram,
another son of Iltutmish on the throne. However, Raziya won over
her captor, Altunia, and after marrying him proceeded to Delhi. But
she was defeated and killed.
The fall of Raziya paved the way for the ascendancy of the
Forty. In the next six years, Bahram and Masud ruled Delhi. There
ensued a struggle for supremacy between the Sultans and the nobles.
In 1246 Balban succeeded in putting Nasiruddin Mahmud, a
younger son of Iltutmish, as Sultan.
Era of Balban (1246-1287)
Ghiyasuddin Balban, who was also known as Ulugh Khan,
served as Naib or regent to Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud. He also
strengthened his position by marrying his daughter to the Sultan.
Balban was all powerful in the administration but he had to face the
rivals. In the meantime, Temujin popularly known
as Chengiz Khan, the leader of the Mongols,
started invading Central Asia. He defeated
Jalaluddin Mangabarni, the ruler of Kwarizam.
Mangabarni crossed the river Indus and sought
asylum from Iltutmish. Iltutmish refused to give him
shelter in order to save his empire from the
onslaught of the Mongols. Fortunately for
Iltutmish, Chengiz Khan retuned home without
entering into India. In fact, the Mongol policy of
Iltutmish saved India from the wrath of Chengiz
Khan.
Iltutmish marched against Bengal and Bihar and reasserted
his control over them. He also annexed Sind and Multan into the
Delhi Sultanate. He suppressed the Rajput revolts and recovered
Ranthampur, Jalor, Ajmir and Gwalior. He led an expedition against
the Paramaras of Malwa but it was not successful.
Iltutmish was a great statesman. He received the mansur, the
letter of recognition, from the
Abbasid Caliph in 1229 by which he
became the legal sovereign ruler of
India. Later he nominated his
daughter Raziya as his successor.
Thus the hereditary succession to
Delhi Sultanate was initiated by
Iltutmish. He patronized many scholars and a number Sufi saints came
to India during his reign. Minhaj-us-Siraj, Taj-ud-din., Nizam-ul-mulk
Muhammad Janaidi, Malik Qutb-ud-din Hasan and Fakhrul-Mulk Isami
were his contemporary scholars who added grandeur to his court. Apart
from completing the construction of Qutb Minar at Delhi, the tallest
stone tower in India (238 ft.), he built a magnificent mosque at Ajmir.
SILVER TANKA OF ILTUTMISH 
PORTRAIT OF
CHENGIZ KHAN
177 176
In 1279, Tughril Khan, the governor of Bengal revolted against
Balban. It was suppressed and he was beheaded. In the northwest
the Mongols reappeared and Balban sent his son Prince Mahmud
against them. But the prince was killed in the battle and it was a
moral blow to the Sultan. Balban died in 1287. He was undoubtedly
one of the main architects of the Delhi Sultanate. He enhanced the
power of the monarchy. However, he could not fully safeguard India
from the Mongol invasions.
When Balban died, one of his grandsons Kaiqubad was made
the Sultan of Delhi. After four years of incompetent rule, Jalaluddin
Khalji captured the throne of Delhi in 1290.
The Khalji Dynasty (1290-1320)
The advent of the Khalji dynasty marked the zenith of Muslim
imperialism in India. The founder of the Khalji dynasty was Jalaluddin
Khalji. He was seventy years old when he came to power. He was
generous and lenient. Malik Chhajju, nephew of Balban was allowed
to remain the governor of Kara. His leniency was misunderstood as
weakness. When Chhajju revolted, it was suppressed but he was
pardoned. When the thugs (robbers) looted the country, they were
allowed to go after a severe warning. In 1292 when Malik Chhajju
revolted for the second time, he was replaced by his son-in-law,
Alauddin Khalji. In 1296 Alauddin Khalji took
an expedition to Devagiri and returned to Kara.
During the reception there, Alauddin Khalji
treacherously murdered his father-in-law
Jalaluddin Khalji and usurped the throne of
Delhi.
Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316)
Alauddin Khalji made enormous gifts to
the hostile nobles and Amirs of Delhi to win
intrigues of his rivals in the royal court. He had overcome all the
difficulties. In 1266 Nasiruddin Mahmud died without issues and
Balban ascended the throne.
Balban’s experience as the regent made him to understand
the problems of Delhi Sultanate. He knew that the real threat to the
monarchy was from the nobles called the Forty. He was convinced
that only by enhancing the power and authority of the monarchy he
could face the problems. According to Balban the Sultan was God’s
shadow on earth and the recipient of divine grace. Balban introduced
rigorous court discipline and new customs such as prostration and
kissing the Sultan’s feet to prove his superiority over the nobles. He
also introduced the Persian festival of Nauroz to impress the nobles
and people with his wealth and power. He stood forth as the
champion of Turkish nobility. At the same time he did not share
power with other nobles. Indian Muslims were not given important
post in the government. He appointed spies to monitor the activities
of the nobles.
Balban was determined to break the power of the Forty, the
Turkish nobles. He spared only the most obedient nobles and
eliminated all others by fair or foul means. Malik Baqbaq, the
governor of Badaun, was publicly flogged for his cruelty towards
his servants. Haybat Khan, the governor of Oudh, was also punished
for killing a man who was drunk. Sher Khan, the governor of
Bhatinda was poisoned. Instead of expanding his kingdom, Balban
paid more attention to the restoration of law and order. He
established a separate military department - diwan-i-arz – and
reorganized the army. The outskirts of Delhi were often plundered
by the Mewatis. Balban took severe action against them and
prevented such robberies. Robbers were mercilessly pursued and
put to death. As a result, the roads became safe for travel.
Alauddin Khalji
179 178
over them to his side. Those who still opposed him accession were
punished severely. He framed regulations to control the nobles. He
was convinced that the general prosperity of the nobles, inter-
marriages between noble families, inefficient spy-system and drinking
liquor were the basic reasons for the rebellions. Therefore, he passed
four ordinances. He confiscated the properties of the nobles. The
intelligence system was reorganized and all the secret activities of
the nobles were immediately reported to the Sultan. The public sale
of liquor and drugs was totally stopped. Social gatherings and
festivities without the permission of Sultan were forbidden. By such
harsh measures his reign was free from rebellions.
Reforms of Alauddin Khalji
Alauddin Khalji maintained a large permanent standing army
and paid them in cash from the royal treasury. According the Ferishta,
he recruited 4,75,000 cavalrymen. He introduced the system of
dagh (branding of horses) and prepared huliya (descriptive list of
soldiers). In order to ensure maximum efficiency, a strict review of
army from time to time was carried out.
The introduction of paying salaries in cash to the soldiers led
to price regulations popularly called as Market Reforms. Alauddin
Khalji established four separate markets in Delhi, one for grain;
another for cloth, sugar, dried fruits, butter and oil; a third for horses,
slaves and cattle; and a fourth for miscellaneous commodities. Each
market was under the control of a high officer called Shahna-i-
Mandi. The supply of grain was ensured by holding stocks in
government store-houses. Regulations were issued to fix the price
of all commodities. A separate department called Diwani Riyasat
was created under an officer called Naib-i-Riyasat. Every merchant
was registered under the Market department. There were secret
agents called munhiyans who sent reports to the Sultan regarding
the functioning of these markets. The Sultan also sent slave boys to
Indian Ocean
Aribian Sea
Bay of Bengal
Kabul
Peshavar
Multan
Delhi
Oudh
Chitore
Anhilvara
Prayag
Gaur
Bengal
Warangal
Dauladabad
Madurai
Dwarasamudra
Empire of
Alauddin Khilji
Page 5


173 172
3. Second Ilbari dynasty (1266-1290) founded by Balban.
Qutbuddin Aibak (1206-1210)
Qutbuddin Aibak was a slave of
Muhammad Ghori, who made him the Governor
of his Indian possessions. He set up his military
headquarters at Indraprasta, near Delhi. He raised
a standing army and established his hold over north
India even during the life time of Ghori. After the
death of Ghori in 1206, Aibak declared his
independence. He severed all connections with
the kingdom of Ghori and thus founded the Slave dynasty as well as the
Delhi Sultanate. He assumed the title Sultan and made Lahore his capital.
His rule lasted for a short period of four years. Muslim writers call
Aibak Lakh Baksh or giver of lakhs because he gave liberal donations
to them. Aibak patronized the great scholar Hasan Nizami. He also
started the construction of  after the name of a famous Sufi saint Khwaja
Qutbuddin Bakthiyar. It was later completed by Iltutmish. Aibak died
suddenly while playing chaugan (horse polo) in 1210. He was
succeeded by his son Aram Baksh, who was replaced by Iltutmish
after eight months.
Iltutmish (1211-1236)
Iltutmish belonged to the Ilbari tribe and
hence his dynasty was named as Ilbari dynasty.
His half brothers sold him as a slave to Aibak,
who made him his-son-in law by giving his
daughter in marriage to him. Later Aibak
appointed him as iqtadar of Gwalior. In 1211
Iltutmish defeated Aram Baksh and became
Sultan. He shifted his capital from Lahore to
Delhi. During the first ten years of his reign he
concentrated on securing his throne from his
QUTB MINAR 
The Muslim invasions into India had ultimately resulted in the
establishment of Delhi Sultanate which existed from A.D. 1206 to
1526. Five different dynasties – the Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyids
and Lodis – ruled under the Delhi Sultanate. Not only they extended
their rule over North India, but also they penetrated into the Deccan
and South India. Their rule in India resulted in far-reaching changes
in society, administration and cultural life.
Slave Dynasty
The Slave dynasty was also called Mamluk dynasty. Mamluk
was the Quranic term for slave. The Slave dynasty ruled Delhi from
A.D. 1206 to 1290. In fact, three dynasties were established during
this period. They were
1. Qutbi dynasty (1206-1211) founded by Qutbuddin Aibak.
2. First Ilbari dynasty (1211- 1266) founded by Iltutmish.
LESSON 16
DELHI SULTANATE
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. Political History of Delhi Sultanate.
2. Slave Dynasty – Aibak, Iltutmish, Raziya, Balban.
3. Khaljis – Alauddin Khalji’s achievements.
4. Tughlaqs – Mahmud-bin-Tughlaq and his experiments.
5. Firoz Tughlaq and his administration.
6. Sayyids and Lodis.
Qutbuddin Aibak
175 174
Iltutmish introduced the Arabic coinage into India and the silver tanka
weighing 175 grams became a standard coin in medieval India. The
silver tanka remained the basis of the modern rupee. Iltutmish had also
created a new class of ruling elite of forty powerful military leaders, the
Forty.
Raziya (1236-1240)
Although Iltutmish nominated his daughter Raziya as his
successor, the Qazi of Delhi and Wazir put Ruknuddin Feroz on the
throne. When the governor of Multan revolted, Ruknuddin marched
to suppress that revolt. Using this opportunity, Raziya with the
support of Amirs of Delhi seized the throne of Delhi Sultanate. She
appointed an Abyssinian slave Yakuth as Master of the Royal
Horses. Also, Raziya discarded the female apparel and held the
court with her face unveiled. She even went for hunting and led the
army. This aroused resentment among the Turkish nobles. In 1240,
Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda revolted against her. She went in
person to suppress the revolt but Altunia killed Yakuth and took
Raziya prisoner. In the meantime, the Turkish nobles put Bahram,
another son of Iltutmish on the throne. However, Raziya won over
her captor, Altunia, and after marrying him proceeded to Delhi. But
she was defeated and killed.
The fall of Raziya paved the way for the ascendancy of the
Forty. In the next six years, Bahram and Masud ruled Delhi. There
ensued a struggle for supremacy between the Sultans and the nobles.
In 1246 Balban succeeded in putting Nasiruddin Mahmud, a
younger son of Iltutmish, as Sultan.
Era of Balban (1246-1287)
Ghiyasuddin Balban, who was also known as Ulugh Khan,
served as Naib or regent to Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud. He also
strengthened his position by marrying his daughter to the Sultan.
Balban was all powerful in the administration but he had to face the
rivals. In the meantime, Temujin popularly known
as Chengiz Khan, the leader of the Mongols,
started invading Central Asia. He defeated
Jalaluddin Mangabarni, the ruler of Kwarizam.
Mangabarni crossed the river Indus and sought
asylum from Iltutmish. Iltutmish refused to give him
shelter in order to save his empire from the
onslaught of the Mongols. Fortunately for
Iltutmish, Chengiz Khan retuned home without
entering into India. In fact, the Mongol policy of
Iltutmish saved India from the wrath of Chengiz
Khan.
Iltutmish marched against Bengal and Bihar and reasserted
his control over them. He also annexed Sind and Multan into the
Delhi Sultanate. He suppressed the Rajput revolts and recovered
Ranthampur, Jalor, Ajmir and Gwalior. He led an expedition against
the Paramaras of Malwa but it was not successful.
Iltutmish was a great statesman. He received the mansur, the
letter of recognition, from the
Abbasid Caliph in 1229 by which he
became the legal sovereign ruler of
India. Later he nominated his
daughter Raziya as his successor.
Thus the hereditary succession to
Delhi Sultanate was initiated by
Iltutmish. He patronized many scholars and a number Sufi saints came
to India during his reign. Minhaj-us-Siraj, Taj-ud-din., Nizam-ul-mulk
Muhammad Janaidi, Malik Qutb-ud-din Hasan and Fakhrul-Mulk Isami
were his contemporary scholars who added grandeur to his court. Apart
from completing the construction of Qutb Minar at Delhi, the tallest
stone tower in India (238 ft.), he built a magnificent mosque at Ajmir.
SILVER TANKA OF ILTUTMISH 
PORTRAIT OF
CHENGIZ KHAN
177 176
In 1279, Tughril Khan, the governor of Bengal revolted against
Balban. It was suppressed and he was beheaded. In the northwest
the Mongols reappeared and Balban sent his son Prince Mahmud
against them. But the prince was killed in the battle and it was a
moral blow to the Sultan. Balban died in 1287. He was undoubtedly
one of the main architects of the Delhi Sultanate. He enhanced the
power of the monarchy. However, he could not fully safeguard India
from the Mongol invasions.
When Balban died, one of his grandsons Kaiqubad was made
the Sultan of Delhi. After four years of incompetent rule, Jalaluddin
Khalji captured the throne of Delhi in 1290.
The Khalji Dynasty (1290-1320)
The advent of the Khalji dynasty marked the zenith of Muslim
imperialism in India. The founder of the Khalji dynasty was Jalaluddin
Khalji. He was seventy years old when he came to power. He was
generous and lenient. Malik Chhajju, nephew of Balban was allowed
to remain the governor of Kara. His leniency was misunderstood as
weakness. When Chhajju revolted, it was suppressed but he was
pardoned. When the thugs (robbers) looted the country, they were
allowed to go after a severe warning. In 1292 when Malik Chhajju
revolted for the second time, he was replaced by his son-in-law,
Alauddin Khalji. In 1296 Alauddin Khalji took
an expedition to Devagiri and returned to Kara.
During the reception there, Alauddin Khalji
treacherously murdered his father-in-law
Jalaluddin Khalji and usurped the throne of
Delhi.
Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316)
Alauddin Khalji made enormous gifts to
the hostile nobles and Amirs of Delhi to win
intrigues of his rivals in the royal court. He had overcome all the
difficulties. In 1266 Nasiruddin Mahmud died without issues and
Balban ascended the throne.
Balban’s experience as the regent made him to understand
the problems of Delhi Sultanate. He knew that the real threat to the
monarchy was from the nobles called the Forty. He was convinced
that only by enhancing the power and authority of the monarchy he
could face the problems. According to Balban the Sultan was God’s
shadow on earth and the recipient of divine grace. Balban introduced
rigorous court discipline and new customs such as prostration and
kissing the Sultan’s feet to prove his superiority over the nobles. He
also introduced the Persian festival of Nauroz to impress the nobles
and people with his wealth and power. He stood forth as the
champion of Turkish nobility. At the same time he did not share
power with other nobles. Indian Muslims were not given important
post in the government. He appointed spies to monitor the activities
of the nobles.
Balban was determined to break the power of the Forty, the
Turkish nobles. He spared only the most obedient nobles and
eliminated all others by fair or foul means. Malik Baqbaq, the
governor of Badaun, was publicly flogged for his cruelty towards
his servants. Haybat Khan, the governor of Oudh, was also punished
for killing a man who was drunk. Sher Khan, the governor of
Bhatinda was poisoned. Instead of expanding his kingdom, Balban
paid more attention to the restoration of law and order. He
established a separate military department - diwan-i-arz – and
reorganized the army. The outskirts of Delhi were often plundered
by the Mewatis. Balban took severe action against them and
prevented such robberies. Robbers were mercilessly pursued and
put to death. As a result, the roads became safe for travel.
Alauddin Khalji
179 178
over them to his side. Those who still opposed him accession were
punished severely. He framed regulations to control the nobles. He
was convinced that the general prosperity of the nobles, inter-
marriages between noble families, inefficient spy-system and drinking
liquor were the basic reasons for the rebellions. Therefore, he passed
four ordinances. He confiscated the properties of the nobles. The
intelligence system was reorganized and all the secret activities of
the nobles were immediately reported to the Sultan. The public sale
of liquor and drugs was totally stopped. Social gatherings and
festivities without the permission of Sultan were forbidden. By such
harsh measures his reign was free from rebellions.
Reforms of Alauddin Khalji
Alauddin Khalji maintained a large permanent standing army
and paid them in cash from the royal treasury. According the Ferishta,
he recruited 4,75,000 cavalrymen. He introduced the system of
dagh (branding of horses) and prepared huliya (descriptive list of
soldiers). In order to ensure maximum efficiency, a strict review of
army from time to time was carried out.
The introduction of paying salaries in cash to the soldiers led
to price regulations popularly called as Market Reforms. Alauddin
Khalji established four separate markets in Delhi, one for grain;
another for cloth, sugar, dried fruits, butter and oil; a third for horses,
slaves and cattle; and a fourth for miscellaneous commodities. Each
market was under the control of a high officer called Shahna-i-
Mandi. The supply of grain was ensured by holding stocks in
government store-houses. Regulations were issued to fix the price
of all commodities. A separate department called Diwani Riyasat
was created under an officer called Naib-i-Riyasat. Every merchant
was registered under the Market department. There were secret
agents called munhiyans who sent reports to the Sultan regarding
the functioning of these markets. The Sultan also sent slave boys to
Indian Ocean
Aribian Sea
Bay of Bengal
Kabul
Peshavar
Multan
Delhi
Oudh
Chitore
Anhilvara
Prayag
Gaur
Bengal
Warangal
Dauladabad
Madurai
Dwarasamudra
Empire of
Alauddin Khilji
181 180
Alauddin next turned against Chittor. It was the powerful state in
Rajasthan. The siege lasted for several months. In 1303 Alauddin
stormed the Chittor fort. Raja Ratan Singh and his soldiers fought
valiantly but submitted. The Rajput women including Rani Padmini
performed jauhar. This Padmini episode was graphically mentioned
in the book Padmavath written by Jayasi.
Alauddin Khalji’s greatest achievement was the conquest of
Deccan and the far south. This region was ruled by four important
dynasties – Yadavas of Devagiri, Kakatiyas of Warangal, Hoysalas of
Dwarasamudra and the Pandyas of
Madurai. In Alauddin sent Malik Kafur
against the ruler of Devagiri,
Ramachandra Deva, who submitted and
paid rich tributes. In 1309 Malik Kafur
launched his campaign against Warangal.
Its ruler Pratabarudra Deva was defeated
and enormous booty was collected from
him. Malik Kafur’s next target was the
Hoysala ruler Vira Ballala III. He was defeated and a vast quantity of
booty was seized and sent to Delhi. Kafur next marched against the
Pandyas. Vira Pandya fled the capital Madurai and Kafur seized
enormous wealth from the Pandya kingdom and returned to Delhi.
Alauddin Khalji died in 1316. Although the Sultan was illiterate,
he patronized poets like Amir Khusrau and Amir Hasan. He also
built a famous gateway known as Alai Darwaza and constructed a
new capital at Siri.
Mubarak Shah and Khusru Shah were the successors of
Alauddin Khalji. Ghazi Malik, the governor of Dipalpur, killed the
Sultan Khusru Shah and ascended the throne of Delhi under the
title of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1320.
ALAI DARWAZA 
buy various commodities to check prices. Violation of regulations
was severely punished. Harsh punishment was given if any shop-
keeper charged a higher price, or tried to cheat by using false weights
and measures. Even during the famine the same price was maintained.
We are not sure whether the market regulations in Delhi were also
applied in the provincial capitals and towns.
Apart from market reforms, Alauddin Khalji took important
steps in the land revenue administration. He was the first Sultan of
Delhi who ordered for the measurement of land. Even the big
landlords could not escape from paying land tax. Land revenue was
collected in cash in order to enable the Sultan to pay the soldiers in
cash. His land revenue reforms provided a basis for the future
reforms of Sher Shah and Akbar.
Military Campaigns
Alauddin Khalji sent his army six times against the Mongols. The
first two was successful. But the third Mongol invader Khwaja came
up to Delhi but they were prevented from entering into the capital city.
The next three Mongol invasions were also dealt with
severely. Thousands of Mongols were killed. The
northwestern frontier was fortified and Gazi Malik
was appointed to as the W arden of Marches to protect
the frontier.
The military conquests of Alauddin Khalji
include his expedition against Gujarat, Mewar and
the Deccan. He sent Nusrat Khan and Ulugh Khan
to capture Gujarat in 1299. The king and his
daughter escaped while the queen was caught and
sent to Delhi. Kafur, an eunuch, was also taken to Delhi and later
he was made the Malik Naib – military commander. Then in 1301,
Alauddin marched against Ranthampur and after a three month’s
siege it fell. The Rajput women committed jauhar or self-immolation.
Rani  Padmini