The Delhi Sultanate and Its Rulers

The Delhi Sultanate and Its Rulers

Learning Objectives

• Identify the five dynasties that ruled the Delhi Sultanate and their chronological order.
• Describe the significance of Raziyya Sultana's reign.
• Explain Ghiyasuddin Balban's policy of 'blood and iron'.
• Recount the rise of the Khalji dynasty and the expansion under Alauddin Khalji.
• Outline the major policies and administrative reforms of Muhammad-bin Tughluq and their consequences.
• Assess the impact of Firuz Shah Tughluq's reforms and understand the decline of the Tughluq dynasty.

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What do you already know about the Delhi Sultanate and its rulers?

The foundation of Islamic rule in India with the Delhi Sultanate

• AD 1206 to AD 1526
• Slave Dynasty established by Qutbuddin Aibak

The Slave Dynasty and Raziyya Sultana's significance

• Raziyya Sultana, the first woman ruler
• Faced opposition but proved to be a competent leader

Ghiyasuddin Balban's autocratic rule and restoration of Sultan's status

• Adopted a 'blood and iron' policy
• Introduced the practices of sijdah and paibos

The Khalji Dynasty's rise under Jalaluddin Khalji and expansion under Alauddin Khalji

• Expansionist policy under Alauddin Khalji

Tughluq Dynasty's administration, Muhammad-bin Tughluq's policies, and Firuz Shah Tughluq's reforms

• Rise of Muhammad-bin Tughluq
• Ambitious but unsuccessful policies
• Firuz Shah Tughluq's reforms

The concept of land grants and administration under the Tughluqs

• Land grants given to officials
• Key aspect of the Tughluq administration

Key Terms

Delhi Sultanate: A Muslim kingdom based in Delhi that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent for over three centuries.
Raziyya Sultana: The first female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate who dressed like a man and fought against rebels.
Ghiyasuddin Balban: A Sultan who adopted a 'blood and iron' policy to consolidate power and introduced the practices of sijdah and paibos.
Khalji Dynasty: A dynasty that ruled the Delhi Sultanate with an expansionist policy under rulers like Alauddin Khalji.
Tughluq Dynasty: A dynasty known for its reforms, administrative measures, and the reign of Muhammad-bin Tughluq, who attempted several ambitious but failed policies.
Iqtas: Land grants given to officials, which often became hereditary and were a key aspect of the Tughluq administration.

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