DELHI SULTANATE

SLAVE DYNASTY
(1206 - 1290AD)
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 Introduction
Qutub – Ud – Din Aibak is
Aibak founded Slave considered as real
dynasty. It is also founder of Muslim
known as Mamluk rule in India
dynasty
 Important Rulers
Qutb - Ud - Din Aibak (1206 - 1210)
Aibak was slave of Ghori. In Arabic slave means Mamluk. Hence dynasty
established by Qutbuddin Aibak is called slave dynasty or mamluk dynasty
He tried for internal consolidation only. His rule was only for four years.
He constructed Quwwat – ul – Islam mosque in Delhi in commemoration of
Islam’s victory in India
He constructed Adhai din ka – Jhompra mosque in Ajmer
He started the construction of Qutub minar, dedicated to sufi saint Khwaja
Qutbudin Bhaktiyar kaki.
He made Lahore capital
He is known as ‘Lakh Baksh’ or giver of lakhs as he gave a lot of liber donations.
Aibak issued coins in gold, silver, billon and copper. He discarded carving name
of Abbasid caliph on it.
He patronized Fakhar – Ud – Din author of Tarikh – I – Mubarak – Shahi & Hasan
Nizami who write Tajul – Ma’ asir, the first official history of Delhi Sultanate
Died in 1210 in Lahore in an accident while paying chaugan.
Muhammad Bin Bhakthiyar Khaji, a Turkish general from Afghan assisted in
conquering Bihar and Bengal.
 Important Rulers
Aram Shah (1210)
Considered most incapable ruler.
Thus Illtumish (son – in – law of Aibak) was
invited to Delhi.
He then disposed Aram Shah and became Sultan
 Important Rulers
Illtumish (1210 - 1236)
His original name was Samshuddin Illiyas
He was son in law of Qutbiddin Aibak
His mongol policy saved India from attack of Chengis Khan; refusing support to
Khwarizmi Shah Jalaluddin of Central Asia
He shifted his capital from Lahore to Delhi.
He completed the construction of Quwwat – ul – Islam mosque and Qutb Minar
He started feudalistic system Iqtha/Iqthadari
He created pact of fourty muslim nobels Chahalgani 8. Started coinage system of
Delhi Sultanate 
Tanka – silver coin 
Biranz – Bronze coin 
Jittal – Copper coin
He nominated his daughter Raziya as his successor
Patronized Minas – Ur – Siraj (writer) author of Minaj – us – siraj.
Put down internal rebellion of Rajputs at Gwalior, Ranthambor, Ajmer and Jalore.
Overcame challenge of Nasiruddin Qabacha in Lahore and Multan and frustrated
conspiracy of Alivardan, the governor of Bengal
 Important Rulers
Razia Sultan (1236 - 1240)
Raziya ascended the throne of Delhi by removing her brother
Raknuddin Feroz
First muslim women ruler in Indian history
She appointed an African (Absynnian) slave Yakuth as
incharge of cavary
Her rule created difference with Chahalgani (40 nobels)
She married Altunitya (governor of Bhatinda)
Later both Razia and Altuniya were killed by coup of
Chahalghani
Discarded female apparel and purdah, adopted male attire,
went for hunting and led army aroused resentment among
Turkish nobles
 Important Rulers
Nasiruddin (1246 - 66)
After thde death of Razia, Chahalgani (40 nobles became
powerful)
However, after 6 years Balban succeeded in putting
Nasiruddin Mahmud, a younger son of Iltumish, as Sultan
Nasiruddin was interested in philosophy, he was inefficient to
rule.
He was dethroned by his prime minister Balban
 Important Rulers
Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266 - 86)
Balban was greatest in slave dynasty also known as Ulugh Khan
He abolished Chahalgani
He knew that the real threat from monarchy was from nobles called
Chahalgani. He was convinced that only by enhancing power and
authority of the monarchy he could face problems.
According to Balban the Sultan was God’s shadow on earth and
recipient of divine grace.
Balban introduced Persian customs and traditions such as sizda,
paiba (kissing feet of sultan), jamnibas (kissing hands), Naurauz
(Persian new year)
He established defence department known as Diwan – I – Ariz.
Balban took severe action on robbers and dacoits and made roads of
Delhi safe to travel.
 Important Rulers
Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266 - 86) (contn)
Balban dealt Mongol issue with blood and iron policy. He
strengthened western frontiers. He sent his son Mahmud to fight
against Mongols on western frontiers.
Mahmud died fighting with Mongols.
Saddened by this tragedy, Balban fell ill and died in 1286
After his death Kalimullah and Qaimas became Sultan.
Qaiqubad/kaiqubad was last sultan in slave dynasty
After few years Qauiqubad became paralytic. He was removed from
throne by Jalaluddin Khilji
Indian Muslims not given important jobs
Excluded non – turks from administration
Administered justice with extreme impartiality
DELHI SULTANATE
KHILJI DYNASTY
(1290 - 1320AD)
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 Introduction
Khilji nobles headed This event is
by Jalauddin, called ‘Dyanstic
overthrew the revolution’ of
incompetent 1290.
successors of Balban
in 1290 and
established Khilji
dynasty
 Important Rulers
Jalaluddin Khilji (1290 - 96)
Jalaluddin Khilji was Turk, but settled in Afghanistan
Jalaluddin won many battles and even in old age he marched out against the
Mongol hordes and successfully halted their entry into India. (1292)
He gave his second daughter to Mongol leaders Ulugh khan in marriage
Alauddin Khilji was son in law (also nephew) of Jalaluddin. Alauddin was
governor of Kara.
Alauddin invaded Devagiri kingdom and procured lot of wealth.
Devagiri was first south Indian state to receive Islamic invasions.
Later Alauddin murdered his uncle Jalaluddin and ascended the throne.
1st sultan to have benevolent attitude towards Hindus.
He stated state should be based on willing support of governed and as
majority of population was Hindu and cannot become a truly Islamic.
Adopted the policy of tolerance and tried to win goodwill of nobility
 Important Rulers
Alauddin Khilji (1296 - 1316)
Alauddin was the imperialistic Sultan
His military expeditions were
Devagiri (1296, 1307, 1314)
Gujarat (1299 – 1300)
Ranthambor (1301)
Chittor (1303)
Malwa (1305)
He defeated Waghela Karnadeva of Gujarat and married his wife Kamaladevi
For the sake of Rani Padmini Alauddin attacked Chittore
Chittore was captured but Padmini committed Jauhar
Alauddin’s Chittore campaign was described in the book Padmavath written by malik
Muhammed Jayasi
He framed regulations to control the nobles
Malik Kafur, basically a eunuch became chief commander.
Malik Kafur started south Indian campaign. He defeated
Ramachandradeva – Devagiri
Prathaprudradeva - Kakatiya
Veera Bhallala 3 – Hoysala
Veera and Sundara – Pandya
Malik Kafur erected victory pillar in Rameshwaram
 Important Rulers
Alauddin Khilji (1296 - 1316) (contn)
Alauddin inscribed the title sikander – e – Saini on his coins (sikander means Alexander)
Allauddin nominated his eldest son Khizr Khan, as his successor. However, Allauddin’s confidant
at that time was Malik Kafur. So he himself assumed authority of the government. But Kafur’s
rule lasted only 35 days as he was assassinated by hostile nobles.
Was appointed as Amir – I – Tuzuk (master of ceremonies) and Ariz – I – Mumalik (Minister of
Law) By Jalaluddin Khilji.
Policy of tolerance was reversed by Alauddin Khilji, awarded harsh punishment who opposed
him.
To keep hold on nobles – he prohibited to hold festivals, marriages without permission of him,
banned wines & intoxicants to avoid special gathering, reorganized spy services (barids)
Barani wrote book ‘Tarikh – I – Firuz Shahi’
Patronized powets like Amir Khusrau and Mir Hasan Dehlv
Defeated Mongols in the battles of Jalandhar (1298), Kili (1299), Amroha (1305) and Ravi (1306)
Amir Khusrau’s Khazin – Ul – Futuh speaks about Alauddin’s conquest. Architecture:
Famous gateway known as Alai Darwaza, Hauz Khas, Mhal Hazaar Satoon, Jamait Khana
mosque, Alai Minar and constructed new capital at Siri
In 1296, constructed the hauz – I – Alai
Built Siri Fort & camped in Siri during Mongol invasion in 1303
Built Qasr – I – Hazar Situn palace at Siri fort.
Alauddin constructed Alai Darwaza – entrance gate to Qutb Minar
 Important Rulers
Alauddin Khilji (1296 - 1316) (contn)
Administrative reforms:
Alauddin was strong and efficient ruler. He set up a strong central government.
He believed in theory of divine right.
He separated religion from politics.
He took various measures for prevention of rebellions, such as restricting matrimonial alliance
within nobles, prohibiting secret meetings and parties, appointing spies to keep eye on them and
preventing the interference of ulemas in administration.
Market Reforms:
Fixed cost of all commodities. For this purpose, he set up 4 separate markets:
For grains
For cloth, sugar, dried fruits and oils
For horses, slaves and cattles
For miscellaneous commodities
Alauddin was first sultan to pay his soldiers in cash.
As soldiers were paid less, the prices had to monitored and controlled. Moreover, Alauddin had to
maintain a huge standing army. In order to restrict prices of essential commodities, Alauddin set
up an elaborate intelligence network to collect information on black – marketing and hoarding.
Shahana – I – Mandi was incharge of markets, who kept eye on prices of essential commodities.
He also appointed Naib – I – Riyasat & Diwan – I – Riyasat to keep check on these markets.
Received daily reports of markets from Barids (intelligence officer) and munhiyans (secret spies)
Now clear whether these reforms were applied to only Delhi or also other towns
 Important Rulers
Alauddin Khilji (1296 - 1316) (contn)
Military Reforms:
Alauddin maintained strong and huge standing army.
He introduced system of branding of horses (dagh) and maintenance of detailed register of
soldiers to prevent false musters and corrupt practices.
He paid salaries in cash.
Chehra system brought in to give detailed description of each soldier
Ariz – I – Mumalik was incharge of appointment of soldiers.
Revenue Reforms:
Revenue was half of produce & was based on land under cultivation
First ruler to fix land revenue in cash. It enabled him to pay his soldiers in cash.
Biswa was standard unit of measurement. Imposed one fifth of the produce and along with it
house tax (Grahi) and pasture tax (Chari)
Abolished Kismat – i – Khuti (headman’s cess). Confiscated religious endowments and free
lands (Inam and Wakt)
Mukadam and Khuts had to pay taxes
Created post of Mustakraj to collect revenue.
Brought area surrounding to Delhi directly under state for revenue purpose. Thus, Iqta system
was not applied there.
Alauddin created separate department for revenue as Diwan – I – Mustkharaj.
He introduced scientific method for land measurement for assessment land revenue.
Jaziya was imposed on non – muslims.
He imposed heavy taxes on sardars, jagirdars and ulemas
 Important Rulers
Qutubbdin Mubarak
After the death of Malik Kaffur Alauddin’s son Qutbuddin
Mubarak came to power.
During the times of Qutubbdin Devagiri Yadava kingdom was
annexed into Delhi sultanate.
Qutubbdin was murdered by his PM Nasiruddin Khusru shah,
who became last sultan in Khilji dynasty.
Later Kushru Shah was dethroned by Ghiyasuddin Tuglaq in
year 1320.
DELHI SULTANATE
KHILJI DYNASTY
(1290 - 1320AD)
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 Important Rulers
Ghiyasuddin Tuglaq (1320 - 25)
Founded Tuglaq dynasty in 1320
He added Tuglaqabad city to Delhi
Replaced men with horses in courier system 4. Started Dawk
chowkies
His son prince Jaunakhan defeated Prataparudradeva of
Kakatiyas and annexed kingdom in 1323.
Ghiyasuddin died accidently in 1325 AD.
Jauna ascended the throne and took title Mumhammad – Bin –
Tuglaq 8. 1st Sultan to start irrigation.
Amir Khusrau famous work “tuglaq Nama” deals with rise of
Ghiyasuddin Tuglaq
 Important Rulers
Muhammad Bin Tuglaq (1325 - 51)
Was the most controversial personality in medieval Indian history
Was a learned, cultured and talented prince but gained a reputation of being
merciless, cruel and unjust.
Was very tolerant in religious matters.
His innovative reforms brought him bad name, as they were not executed
properly.
During the time of Muhammad – Bin – Tuglaq, Vijayanagar (1336) and Bahmani
(1347) and Madurai emerged
Ibn Batuta, a Morocan traveler visited Tuglaq. He recorded his observation in his
book Qitab – ul – Rihla. Later, he was sent to China as ambassador of Tuglaq.
He added Jahanpanah city to Delhi.
His reign marks zenith of Delhi Sultanate but also saw beginning of disintegration.
Defeated Mongols
Appointed official on basis of merit
Advanced secular policies. Applied justice to Ulema
To curb rebellion of Taghi, Tuglaq entered into Sindh desert and died due to
sunstroke at Thatta in 1351 AD
 Important Rulers
Muhammad Bin Tuglaq (1325 - 51) (contn)
His innovative experiments are as follows:
Token currency
Introduced token currency or copper coins. His main aim was to save precious
metals like gold and silver and introduce more money in circulation.
For this reason, copper coins were issued which had same values as silver tanka.
But, minting copper coin was not retained as monopoly of government.
The goldsmiths began to forge token coins on large scale. Soon new coins were
not accepted in markets
Finally, sultan stopped the circulation of token currency and promised to
exchange silver coins. Many people exchanged the new coins but the treasury
became empty.
Transfer of capital
To safeguard capital from Mongol invasion and to have better control over south
India, sultan decided to shift capital from Delhi to Devagiri (Daulatabad)
He desired to shift the entire population. Barani says “not a cat or dog was left”.
The reason for move were very practical, but the method adopted was
impractical.
Entire population was made to travel around 1500km to Daulatabad.
Many people died during the rigorous journey in summer. After two years, the
Sultan abandoned Daulatabad and asked them to return to Delhi.
 Important Rulers
Muhammad Bin Tuglaq (1325 - 51) (contn)
Increase in taxes
The area between Ganga – Yamuna doab was very fertile, hence sultan decided to
rise tax so as to enhance revenues of his empire.
Although it was practical decision, the tax hike was too steep and introduced
during time of no rainfall.
Agricultural reforms:
He launched scheme by which takkavi loans (loans for cultivation) were given to
farmers to buy seed and to extend cultivation.
A separate department for agriculture, Diwan – I – Kohi was established but failed
due to corrupt officals.

He launched Khorasan project to counter threat of Chinese incursions. Quarachi

expedition – launched in Kumaon hills to counter threat of Chinese incursions -
failed
 Important Rulers
Firoz Shah Tuglaq (1351 - 89)
Born in 1309 and ascended the throne of Delhi after the demise of his cousin
Muhammad – bin – Tuglaq.
He started imposition of Jaziya
He destructed Jwalamukhi temple.
He protected Sanskrit scriptures and started their translation into Persian.
He was first to link rivers and provide irrigation with help of 4 canals.
He imposed water cess haq – I – shrib
The British called him the ‘father of irrigation department’ because of the many
gardens and canals that he built.
He established the Diwan – I – Khairat – office for charity.
He established the Diwan – I – Bundagan – department of slave
He established Sarais (rest houses) for the benefits of merchants and other
travelers.
He adopted Iqtadari framework.
Established 4 new towns, Firozabad, Fatehabad, Jaunpur and Hissar
Established hospitals known as Darul – Shifa, Bimaristan or Shifa Khana
Because of all these, he was called Sultan of constructions
Firoz Shah died in 1388. After his death Muhammad shah ascended the throne.
During rule of Muhammad Shah Timur invaded and ruined Delhi. (1397)
 Important Rulers
Firoz Shah Tuglaq (1351 - 89) (contn)
Adopted policy of trying to appease nobles, army, theologians and of asserting his
authority over only such areas which could easily be administered from center. 18.
Appointed Khan – I – Jahan Maqbal, a Telugu Brahmin as Wazir or PM
Extended principle of heredity to army & nobility.
Thus, the iqta system not only revived, but also it was made hereditary.
Malik Sarwar was prominent noble and had been wazir for some time.
He asserted independence and assumed title of Malik-us-Sharq (lord of the east).
Malik ruled from Jaunpur, it was called Shiraz of the east. Malik Muhammad Jaisi
author of “Padmavat” lived in Jaunpur.
To appease theologians, Firoz took following decisions:
Prohibited practice of Muslim women going out to worship.
Gave concessions to theologians
Made jizya a separate tax. Earlier it was part of land revenue. Only children,
women, disabled exempted.
Erased wall paintings in his palace
He constructed and improved several canals.
He set up hospitals for poor called – Dar-ul-shifa.
Established town of Hissar and Firozabad.
 Important Rulers
Firoz Shah Tuglaq (1351 - 89) (contn)
Set up new departments:
Diwan -i-Khairat - to make provisions for marriages of poor girls.
Department for public work.
Diwan -i-Bandagan – Department for slaves
Introduced 2 new coins: Adha (50% Jital) and Bitch (23% Jital).
He led two unsuccessful expeditions to Bengal. Bengal became free from the
control of Delhi Sultanate.
He developed royal factories called karkhanas in which thousands of slaves were
employed.
Imposed four taxes sanctioned by Islamic kharaj (land tax), khams (1/5 of the
looted property during wars), Jizya (religious tax on the Hindus), and Zakat (2½per
cent of the income of the Muslims which was spent for the welfare of Muslim
subjects and their religion).
He was first Sultan to impose Sharb (irrigation tax).
 Important Rulers
Nasiruddin Muhammaed (1390 - 1398)
He was the last ruler of Tuglaq dynasty
Taimur’s invasion (1398) during his reign weakened the
sultanate.
When Timur entered Delhi there was no opposition. He
withdrew from India in 1399.
Delhi sultanate disintegrated towards the beginning of
15th century and no of independent states set up. E.g.
Malwa and Gujarat etc.
Tughlaq empire came to end in 1412.
 Conclusion
01 02 03 04 05
Turkish Timur, On hearing Timur also took Nasir – Ud – Then Sayyid
who could Indian artisans Din
the news of and Lodi
claim a blood such as
arrival of Muhammad dynasties
relationship masons, stone
with the 12th Timur, cutters
Shah ruled
century great carpenters managed to declining
Muhammad
Mongol whom he rule up to empire from
Shah fled
Chengiz Khan, engaged for 1412
Delhi. Delhi till
ransacked raising
Delhi virtually buildings in his
1526.
without any capital
opposition. Samarkhand
 DELHI SULTANATE
SAYYID DYNASTY (1414 - 1451AD)
LODI DYNASTY (1451 - 1526AD)

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 Sayyid Dynasty (1414 - 1451 AD)

01 02 03 04 05
Timur Khizr Khan Muhammad Allam Shah Bahalul Lodi
appointed Shah is was
is started Lodi
Khizr Khan as succeeded by
succeeded philosopher. dynastic
governor of Allam Shah
Multan. He by Mubarak He rule.
captured Delhi voluntarily
Shah and
and founded abducted
Muhammad
the Sayyid throne to
dynasty in 1414. Shah.
Bahalul Lodi
and led
peaceful life
in small town
outside
Delhi.
 Lodi Dynasty - Important Rulers
Sikander Lodi (1489 – 1517)
Bahalul Lodi was founder of Lodi dynasty
Lodis were originally from Afghanistan
Bahalul lodi was succeeded by Sikander Lodi (1489 – 1517)
He was greatest in this dynasty.
He was contemporary to Bhakti saint Kabirdas and tortured him.
He was contemporary to Mahmud Begarha of Jujarat and Rana Sangha of Mewar.
He abolished octroi duty on grains and established new measurement of yard called
Gaz – I – Sikandari.
He destroyed many Hindu temples and imposed many restrictions on the Hindus. 9.
Sikandar was orthodox and a bigot king. He reimposed the Jizya on Hindus.
He was a poet of repute, composed under the pen-name of Gulruk.
Sikandar Lodi was succeeded by his son Ibrahim Lodi.
 Important Rulers
Ibrahim Lodi (1517 – 1526)
Sikander Lodi was succeeded by his son Ibrahim Lodi
He was not able administrator as his father. He had differences with
nobles, governors.
His close relatives Allak Khan Lodi and Daulat Khan Lodi invited Babar
to invade India.
Mewar ruler Rana Sanga also invited Babur to invade India.
Krishnadevaraya was emperor of Vijayanagara in southern India
during this time.
Babur defeated and killed Ibrahim Lodi in first battle of Panipat in 1526
AD.
Ibrahim Lodi was last sultan in Delhi Sultanate.
Babur started Mughal rule in India from 1526 AD.
DELHI SULTANATE
FEATURES OF
DELHI SULTANATE

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 Important terms & meanings:

Zimmi – Protected people under Muslim Rule.

Zawabit – Sultan’s own regulations to supplement Muslim law.
Jahandari- Secular consideration
 Books

01 02 03 04 05
Tughlaq Nama, Git Govinda; Hammir Raso: Fatwa-i- Padmavat:
Tarik-i-Alai, Sarangdhara Jahandari:
Jaydeva Malik
Ashiqa: Amir
Barani Muhammad
Khusro
Jaisi.
 Administration during Delhi Sultanate period
With the establishment of the Delhi sultanate a new ruling class emerged in India. This new class introduced a new
administrative system.
During the Sultanate period the administrative apparatus was head by Sultan who was helped by various nobles. There
were various other officers along with the office of Sultan. Theoretically, there was a council of Ministers Majilis – I –
Khalwat to assist the Sultan.
Sultanate administration is called as Turko – Afghan setup in Indian environment.
The Sultans considered themselves as representatives of Caliph.
Iltumish was first sultan to receive recognition letter from Caliph.
Delhi sultanate was neither a theocratic state nor a secular state. It was depended on ruler.
No clear law of succession
Mullahs were interpreters of Shariyath.
Qajis were executor of Shariyath. Sultan
Nabi/wali (practically enjoyed all powers of Sultan and exercised general control over all departments).
Diwan – I – Wazirath (Finance minister). Wazir acted as PM.
Diwan – I – Ariz – Defence minister
Diwan – I – Insha – Department of correspondence
Diwan – I – Rasalth – Department of religious affairs headed by sadr
Judicial department chief – Qaji
Hindus were governed by their ow personal law and their cases were dispensed by village panchayats
Wakil – I – Dar- officer responsible for maintenance of proper decorum at court.
 Administration during Delhi Sultanate period
Iqta system:
The institution of Iqta had been force in early Islamic world as a reward for services to state.
In the caliphate administration it was used to pay civil and military officers.
After the establishment of Sultanate iqta system was introduced by Sultans.
To begin with army commanders and nobles were given territories to administer and collect revenue.
The territories thus assigned were called iqta and their holders as iqtadar or muqti.
Territorial administration:
Delhi Sultanate: Sarkar - Shiq - Pargana - Village
Local administration:
The provinces were called iqtas under the control of muqtis or walis.
Their duty was to maintain law and order and collect the land revenue.
The provinces were divided into shiqs and pargana.
The shiq was under the control of shiqdar.
The pargana comprising number of villages was headed by amil.
The village headman was known as muqaddam or chaudhri. The village accountant was called patwari.
Shiqs were controlled by shiqdar.
Pargana were controlled by amil.
Villagers were controlled by village headmen. He is called by name muqaddam, chaudri, khut. Patwaries were village accountant.
The lands were classified into three categories:
Iqta land – lands assigned to officials as iqtas instead of payment for their services.
Khalisa land – land under direct control of Sultan and revenues collected were spent for maintenance of royal court and royal
household.
Inam land – Land assigned or granted to religious leaders or religious institutions
 Economy:
Land revenue was major source of income for administration.
The peasantry paid one third of their produce as land revenue and sometimes even one half of the produce.
Agriculture formed the occupation of bulk of people.
The peasants produced a large variety of food crops, cash crops, fruits, vegetables and spices. They
practiced advanced agricultural techniques such as crop rotation, double cropping, three crop harvesting,
fruit grafting etc. various types of artificial water lifting devices were also used for this purpose.
The Persian wheel was most advanced water lifting device of this period.
During the Sultanate period, the process of urbanization gained momentum.
Construction of roads and their maintenance facilitated for smooth transport and communication.
Particularly royal roads were kept in good shape. Sarais or rest houses on highways were maintained for
convenience of travelers.
Cotton textile and silk industry flourished in this period.
Paper – making technology evolved by Chinese and learnt by Arabs was introduced in India during rule of
Delhi sultans.
Craft production was organized in villages as well as quasbas. There also existed imperial.
These karkhanas were part of royal establishment. These units produced commodities for the consumption
of royal household and the court, generally, expensive and luxury items were produced here.
 Economy (contn):
In the field of commerce India had trade links with contemporary central Asia, China, South – east Asia and
Europe etc.
The peasantry paid one third of their produce as land revenue, and sometimes even one half of the produce.
Bengal and Gujrat were famous for fine quality fabrics, Combay (Gujrat) was famous for textile, gold & silver
work. Sonargao was famous for raw silk & muslin.
Indian textiles were exported to China.
The royal karkhanas supplied the goods needed to the Sultan and his household.
Gold coins or dinars became popular during the reign of Alauddin Khalji after his South Indian conquests.
Copper coins were less in number and dateless.
Turks introduced many new crafts (manufacturing of paper) and techniques ex- use of iron stirrup, amour. It
led to the growth of metallurgical industry.
They also introduced spinning wheels.
While Gujaratis and Tamils dominated sea trade, the Hindu Multanis and Muslim Khurasanis, Afghans and
Iranians dominated the overland trade with Central Asia.
Postal system based on relays of horses or fast-runners was developed.
 Education:
Certain traditions of education were now implanted from Islamic world. At the base was the maktab, where a
school master taught children to read and write.
At a higher level, important texts in various subjects were read by individual pupils with particular scholars
who gave instruction (dars) in them.
A more institutionalized form of higher education, the madrasa, became widely established in Central Asia
and Iran in 11th century and from there, it spread to other Islamic countries.
Usually madrasa had a building where instruction was given by individual teachers.
Often there was provision of some cells for resident students, a library and a mosque.
Firoz Tuglaq built a large madrasa at Delhi whose splendid building still stands.
From Barani’s description it would seem that teaching here was mainly confined to “Quran – commentary,
the Prophet’s sayings and the Muslim Law (fiqh)”.
It is said that Sikander Lodi (1489 – 1517) appointed teachers in maktabs and madrasas in various cities
throughout his dominions, presumably making provision for them through land or cash grants.
 Social Life:
There was little change in the structure of the Hindu society during this period. 47  The practice of sati was
widely prevalent.
The seclusion of women and the wearing of purdah became common among the upper-class women. The
Arabs and Turks brought the purdah system into India and it became widespread among the Hindu women in
the upper classes of north India.
During the Sultanate period, the Muslim society remained divided into several ethnic and racial groups.
The Turks, Iranians, Afghans and Indian Muslims etc.
There were no intermarriages between these groups.
Very rarely the Hindu nobles were given high position in the government.
The Hindus were considered zimmis or protected people for which they were forced to pay a tax called jiziya
 Literature:
With the establishment of Delhi sultanate, a new language and literary style was introduced into
sub – continent.
Persian became official language of Delhi sultanate.
The development of Persian literature in the sub – continent entered a new era in writings of Amir
Khusrau.
The court chronicles were an important feature of literature during the period of Delhi Sultanate.
Ziauddin Barani made the most important contribution to Persian literature during this period.
The Tarikh – I – Firozshahi and the Fatwa – I Jahandari are his important works.
Ziauddin Barani was bitter critic of Muhammad bin tuglaq.
Minhaj – us – Siraj wrote Tabaqat – I – Nasari, a general history of Muslim dynasties up to 1260.
Abu Backer’s Chachanamh is first geographical treatise deals with conquest of Sindh.
During this period there were many works that were translated into Persian. The Tuti Nama (book
of parrot) by Zia Nakshabi was the first Persian translation of Sanskrit stories.
A new language Urdu emerged during 14th century
The growth in regional languages like Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi and Telugu was a very significant
development.
 Literature:
Barani’s Tarikhi- Firoz Shahi contains the history of Tughlaq dynasty. Minhajus-Siraj wrote
Tabaqat-iNasari, a general history of Muslim dynasties up to 1260.
Sanskrit and Persian functioned as link languages in the Delhi Sultanate.  Zia Nakshabi was the
first to translate Sanskrit stories into Persian.
The book Tutu Nama or Book of the Parrot written by Zia Nakshabi, became popular and
translated into Turkish and later into many European languages.
The famous Rajatarangini written by Kalhana belonged to the period of Zainul-Abidin, the ruler of
Kashmir.
Many Sanskrit works on medicine and music were translated into Persian. • Regional languages
also developed during this period.
Maldhar Basu, compiler of Sri-Krishna Vijaya was patronized by Bengali Sultans and was granted
title of Gunaraja Khan. His son was honored with title of Satyaraja Khan.
Chand Baradi was the famous Hindi poet of this period.
Bengali literature had also developed and Nusrat Shah patronized the translation of Mahabharata
into Bengali.
 Music:
The important phase in development of music during this period belongs to time of Amir Khusrau.
Amir Kusrau was first to describe Kahsmir as Eden of Earth.
He proclaimed himself as tuti – I – Hind or parrot of India.
He was contemporary of Jalaluddin Khilji, Alauddin Khilji, Ghiyasuddin Tuglaq.
He witnessed rule of eight sultans.
It is during this period the quwwali style is said to have developed.
He is credited for development of many modern ragas like aiman, gora and sanam.
He is credited with creation of new musical instrument, the sitar that was combination of India
veen and Iranian tambura.
New musical instruments such as Sarangi and Rabab were introduced during this period.
Raja Man Singh of Gwalior was great lover of music. He encouraged the composition of a great
musical work called Man Kautuhal.
Pir Bhodan, a Sufi saint was one of the great musicians of this period.
 Architecture:
New architectural forms and styles were introduced in India during the medieval period. The
synthesis of Indian and Islamic architectural features led to emergence of Indo – Islamic
architecture.
The arch and dome were new architectural additions of the period.
The use of lime – mortar in the construction of buildings and houses altered the building
techniques.
The development of true arch was important feature of architectural style of period.
In the beginning, they converted temples and other structures demolished into mosques. For
example, the Quwwat – ul – Islam mosque near Qutub Minar in Delhi was built by using
materials obtained from destroying many Hindu and Jain temples.
With arrival of artisans from West Asia the arch and dome began to show up with precision
and perfection. Gradually local artisans also acquired skill. The tomb of Balban adorned with
first true arch and Alai Darwaza built by Alauddin Khilji as agateway to the Quwwatul – Islam
mosque was adorned with first true dome.
 Architecture (contn):
Tuglaqs went for introduction of innovative features in architecture also, such as.
“batter” or sloping walls
Use of stone rubble as principle building material
A new type of arch called four centered arch
The emergence of pointed dome
The introduction of an octagonal plan of tomb building
Ghiyasuddin Tuglaq added Tuglaqabad to Delhi o Muhammad bin Tuglaq added Jahanpanha to
Delhi
Firoz Shah Tuglaq added Ferozbad to Delhi
Muhammad bin Tuglaq built tomb of Ghiyasuddin on high platform
After Tuglaqs, Sikander Lodi constructed Jama Masjid in Agra, it is first structure in middle of
garden. Later, structures in the middle of garden became an essential feature in Mughal style.
Double dome was another feature of Lodis architecture. E.g. Mothi ki Masjid (built by Sikandar
Lodi).
 Reasons of decline of Delhi Sultanate
Financial instability
Degeneration of Delhi Sultans
Invasion of Timur
Greed and incompetency of nobles
Defective military organisation
Vastness of empire
Poor means of communication
War of succession
Despotic and military type of government.