Class 7 History Chapter 3 Notes - The Delhi Sultans

Introduction

• Delhi became an important city in the 12th century.
• The Tomara Rajputs and Chauhans ruled it.
• Delhi was a commercial center.

Establishment of Turkish Rule in India

• Muhammad Ghori left Qutbuddin Aibak in charge in 1206 CE.
• The Slave dynasty started in India.

The Slave Dynasty (1206-1290 CE)

Qutbuddin Aibak (1206-1210 CE)

• First sultan of Delhi.
• Built the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and Adhai-din ka Jhonpra.
• Died in a polo accident.

Iltutmish (1210-1236 CE)

• Qutbuddin Aibak's son-in-law.
• Consolidated Turkish rule.
• Organized nobility into the 'chalisa' group.
• Strengthened the empire's northwest frontier.

Raziya Sultan (1236-1240 CE)

• The only Muslim woman ruler.
• Wore male attire, established law, faced revolt, and was murdered.

Nasiruddin Mahmud (1246-1266 CE) and Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266-1287 CE)

• Balban took power after Raziya.
• Centralized power, established a spy system, and broke the power of 'chalisa.'

The Khalji Dynasty (1290-1320 CE)

Jalaluddin Khalji (1290-1296 CE)

• Founder of Khalji dynasty.
• Suppressed revolts and Mongol threat.
• Governed with people's support and religious tolerance.

Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316 CE)

• Ambitious ruler.
• Conquered Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the Deccan.
• The first sultan to control the Deccan.

The Tughlaq Dynasty

Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320-1324 CE)

• Founded the Tughlaq dynasty.
• Advocated tolerance, carried out public utility works.

Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1324-1351 CE)

• Learned scholar.
• Introduced experimental projects, including token currency and shifting the capital to Devagiri.
• Faced challenges due to impractical ideas.

Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388 CE)

• Reformed administration.
• Banned inhuman punishments, set up hospitals for the poor.
• Introduced tax modifications.
• Founded Firozabad.

Timur's Invasion (1398 CE)

• Timur invaded India, plundered Delhi, and took Indian artisans.

The Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 CE)

• Established after Timur's invasion.
• Khizr Khan was the first ruler.
• Mubarak Shah, Muhammad Khan, and Alauddin Alam Shah followed.

Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526 CE) and Decline of the Sultanate

• Bahlul Lodi, Sikandar Lodi, and Ibrahim Lodi.
• The Lodi dynasty's end at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE.

Sultanate Administration

• The sultan was the central figure, responsible for defense, law, and order.
• Nobles held civilian and military positions.
• The nobles were ranked as Khans, Maliks, and Amirs.
• 'Iqtadars' collected taxes from villagers in exchange for land and cash.
• Slaves held positions in the administration.

Officials of the Sultan's Court

• The wazir and his deputies managed income, expenditure, and revenue collection.
• Ariz-i-Mumalik looked after soldiers' employment, training, and equipment.
• Wakil-i-Dar managed the sultan's household.
• Amir-i-Hajib was the master of ceremonies.
• Chief Qazi headed the justice department.

Army

• Comprised infantry, cavalry, archers, and elephants.
• Imported high-quality horses from Arabia.
• Soldiers were described in 'chehra' and horses were branded as 'dagh.'
• Paid in cash during Alauddin Khalji's rule.

Economic and Social Life

• Taxes like 'kharaj' and house tax collected for state revenue.
• All administrative posts reserved for nobles.
• Slaves were bought and sold.
• Peasants lived in poverty and faced oppression.

Conclusion

The Delhi Sultanate had a significant impact on India's history with its dynamic rulers, administrative systems, and social structure.