The Khalji Revolution: Jalaluddin Khalji | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

The Khalji Revolution

The Khalji Revolution (1290-1320):

• Marked the end of the Slave Dynasty and the rise of the Khalji Dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate.
• Signified not just a change in rulers but a fundamental shift in the nature of the state.

Background:

• After Balban’s death in 1286, Delhi experienced a power struggle.
• Balban’s chosen successor, Prince Mahmud, had died earlier. His other son, Bughra Khan, preferred to rule Bengal and Bihar.
• A young grandson of Balban was placed on the throne but lacked the experience to manage the situation.
• There was resentment against the Turkish nobles who monopolized high offices. Non-Turks, like the Khaljis, sought recognition.
• Jalaluddin Khalji, a Khalji noble, led a successful revolt against Balban’s successors in 1290.
• The Khalji rebellion was supported by non-Turkish nobles.
• The Khaljis, of mixed Turkish-Afghan origin, ended the Turkish monopoly of high offices.

Reasons for the Khalji Revolution:

• The Khaljis gained power through military strength, not noble or religious support.
• It was seen as a revolt of lower society against the established nobility.
• Khaljis, though of Turkish descent, were seen as Afghans due to their long residence in Afghanistan.
• Their success broadened the ruling class to include non-Turks and Indian Muslims.
• Historian Barani noted that the empire shifted from Turkish to Khalji control.
• The Khalji era introduced new administrative measures, such as market regulations and land revenue reforms.
• Khalji kingship centralized power in the Sultan, reducing the influence of religious leaders.

Negative Aspects:

• Emphasized militarism and expansion.

Jalaluddin Khalji (1290-1296)

Jalaluddin Khalji's Reign (1290-1296):

• Jalaluddin Khalji took the throne in 1290 after overthrowing Balban's ineffective successors.
• During his six-year reign, he faced various internal and external challenges.

Internal Conflicts:

• Some of Balban's officers rebelled against Jalaluddin's rule after he sidelined the nobility and commanders from the Mamluk dynasty.
• Jalaluddin responded by suppressing the revolt and executing certain commanders.

Military Campaigns:

• He attempted an unsuccessful expedition against Ranthambhor.
• Successfully repelled a Mongol invasion near the Sind River with the help of his nephew, Juna Khan (Alauddin Khilji).

Governance Approach:

• Jalaluddin adopted a liberal, humanitarian, and benevolent approach to governance.
• He tried to soften some of Balban's harsher policies and was inclusive, appointing Turks and officers from Balban's era to important positions.
• Even Malik Chhajju Kishli Khan, a relative of Balban, was given a significant post despite his rebellion.

Concept of State:

• He envisioned a state based on the goodwill and support of all communities, emphasizing welfare and beneficence.
• As the first Delhi Sultan to advocate for a state supported by its subjects, he recognized the majority Hindu population.

Treatment of Hindus:

• Despite being a devout Muslim, Jalaluddin allowed Hindus to practice their rituals, including idol worship, without interference.
• He did not endorse the Ulemas' demands for Hindu conversions and promoted a policy of tolerance.

Contrast with Balban:

• Unlike Balban, Jalaluddin did not equate sovereignty with tyranny or racial superiority.
• He believed in establishing government authority through goodwill rather than fear, aligning with true Islamic principles.

Expansionism and Legacy:

• Jalaluddin lacked the will and resources for large-scale expansionist efforts.
• His policies were viewed by some as weak, especially compared to his successor, Alauddin Khalji, who rejected Jalaluddin's liberal principles.
• Nonetheless, Jalaluddin's ideas had lasting significance and influenced many of his successors, marking his reign as historically important.