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The Khilji Dynasty: Shaping Medieval India

The Khilji Dynasty had roots in a blend of Turkish and Afghan heritage. They arrived in India during the Ghurid invasion, eventually migrating to Bengal and Bihar in pursuit of opportunities for growth. Additionally, some members of the Khilji clan were stationed in the northwest to counter the Mongol threat.

Jalaluddin Khilji (1290-1296 AD)

• Introduction: Following the incompetence of Balban's successor and the nobles' conspiracies, army commander Malik Jalal-ud-din Khilji rose to power in 1290, founding the Khilji dynasty.
  Administration: While he didn't exclude Turks from top positions, he broke their monopoly on high offices. He also softened Balban’s strict policies, arguing that with a Hindu majority, the state couldn't be purely Islamic, showcasing tolerance towards Hindus.
  Mongol Attack: In 1292, Jalaluddin successfully defeated Hulagu’s grandson, a Mongol leader.
  Conquests: Alauddin Khilji, then the governor of Kara Manikpur (near Allahabad), launched successful invasions of Malwa and Devagiri, the capital of the Yadava kingdom in the Deccan.
  Death: He was assassinated by his nephew and son-in-law, Alauddin Khilji, who then ascended the throne.

Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316 AD)

• Introduction: Unlike Jalaluddin, Alauddin Khilji was known for his intolerance and strong authoritarian rule.
  Title: He adopted the title "Sikander-i-Azam" (Alexander the Great).
  Administration: Alauddin centralized revenue collection, bypassing village headmen, and imposed heavy taxes on the wealthy, sparing the poor from excessive burdens.
  Reforms of Village Officials and Taxation: Village officials, such as khots (small landlords) and muqaddams (headmen), were stripped of their privileges and taxed at the same rate as peasants. Additional taxes included Charai (grazing tax) and Ghari (house tax).
  Establishment of Postal and Spy Networks: He set up a postal system and a spy service to keep a close watch on the nobles.
  Punishments: Alauddin punished nobles and even family members who rebelled, declaring, "Kingship knows no kinship." He also banned wine, gambling, and intoxicants.
  Military Campaigns: He defended Delhi from the Mongol invasion led by Targhi and expanded his empire with successful campaigns in Ranthambore (1301), Chittor (1303), Malwa (1305), and the Deccan, including Devagiri (1307, 1314). Malik Kafur, his trusted general, led expeditions into South India, plundering cities like Chidambaram, Srirangam, and Madurai.

Reforms:

• Introduced the Chehra (description of soldiers) and Dagh (branding of horses) systems.
• First Sultan to pay soldiers in cash rather than booty shares.
• Expanded the standing army to its largest size among Delhi rulers.

Market Reforms:

• Created royal granaries to control food prices during famines.
• Established price controls on essential items, from grains to livestock, supported by a vast intelligence network to prevent black-marketing. Violators were severely punished.
• Daily market reports were collected, and special bazaars were set up for different goods, with traders required to register and commit to selling certain amounts.

Taxation System:

• Kharaj: Agriculture tax of about 50% of a peasant’s produce. A special officer, the Mustakharaj, was appointed to collect it.
• Biswa: Measurement unit for land productivity.
• Peasants were often required to pay taxes in cash, pulling them into the money economy.
• Imposed Charai (grazing tax) and Ghari (house tax) on peasants.
• Abolished the village headmen’s cess (Kismat-i-Khuti).

Art and Architecture:

• Patronized poets like Amir Khusrau and Mir Hasan Dehlvi. Khusrau was honored with the title "Tuti-i-Hind" (Parrot of India) and wrote Khazain-ul-Futuh, detailing Alauddin’s conquests.
• Notable architectural achievements include Alai Darwaza (1311), the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Siri Fort (1303), and the Mosque of Jamait Khanm near Nizam-ud-din Aulia’s shrine.
  Death: After Alauddin's death in 1316, the Khilji dynasty gradually declined, and Ghazi Malik seized the throne, becoming Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.

Conclusion

The Khilji Dynasty ushered in an era of significant military conquests, groundbreaking administrative reforms, and stringent economic regulations. Though known for its authoritarian governance, the dynasty profoundly influenced India's political and social structures. Following Alauddin Khilji's death, the dynasty's power waned, ultimately giving rise to the Tughlaq dynasty, which took control of the Delhi Sultanate.