Introduction
The Delhi Sultanate marks the period of Muslim rule in northern India before the Mughal Empire. It comprised five dynasties: Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi. This period is significant for administration, economy, society, culture, architecture, and the spread of Islam in India.
1. Dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate
| Dynasty | Time Period | Notable Rulers | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slave (Mamluk) | 1206 – 1290 CE | Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish | Foundation of Sultanate, Qutb Minar, consolidation of Delhi as capital |
| Khilji | 1290 – 1320 CE | Alauddin Khilji | Market reforms, military expansion to Deccan, price control measures |
| Tughlaq | 1320 – 1413 CE | Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Firoz Shah Tughlaq | Administrative experiments, token currency, expansion & centralization |
| Sayyid | 1414 – 1451 CE | Khizr Khan | Weak dynasty; decline of central power |
| Lodi | 1451 – 1526 CE | Bahlul Lodi, Sikandar Lodi | Afghan rulers; strengthened agriculture & forts, ended with Babur’s invasion |
2. Administration
- Centralized monarchy with Sultan at the top.
- Provinces (Iqtas) governed by Iqtadars or governors.
- Military-based administration with Mansabdari-like system in later periods.
- Law based on Sharia and local customary practices.
- Revenue collection through land tax (Kharaj) and trade duties.
3. Economy
- Agriculture was mainstay; introduced new crops like sugarcane, cotton.
- Trade and commerce flourished, both inland and maritime.
- Market regulations introduced by Alauddin Khilji to control prices.
- Coinage: silver Tanka and copper Jital widely used.
4. Society
- Multicultural society: Hindus, Muslims, and other communities coexisted.
- Religious tolerance varied; some rulers were more tolerant, others stricter.
- Growth of urban centers: Delhi, Multan, Lahore, and regional towns.
- Introduction of Islamic culture, architecture, and education.
5. Culture & Architecture
- Indo-Islamic architecture: Qutb Minar, Alai Darwaza, Firoz Shah Kotla.
- Development of Persian language and literature, combined with Indian traditions.
- Patronage to scholars, poets, and historians (e.g., Ziauddin Barani).
- Blend of Indian and Islamic art in mosques, tombs, and forts.
6. Significance
Administrative innovations influenced later Mughal administration.
Consolidated Muslim rule in northern India and laid foundations for Mughal Empire.
Introduced Islamic governance, culture, and architecture.
Growth of trade, markets, and urbanization.
Military innovations: cavalry, forts, and disciplined armies.