🏰 Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 AD) – Notes for Competitive Exams
Introduction:
The rule of Muslim rulers in India from 1206 AD to 1526 AD is known as the Delhi Sultanate.
During this period, five major dynasties ruled India – the Slave Dynasty, Khilji Dynasty, Tughlaq Dynasty, Sayyid Dynasty, and Lodi Dynasty.
This chapter is very important for competitive examinations such as SSC, Railway, UPSC, and State Exams.
⚔️ Major Dynasties and Rulers
✨ Slave Dynasty (1206–1290 AD)
- Founder – Qutbuddin Aibak.
- Started the construction of Qutub Minar.
- Iltutmish – known as the “real founder of the Delhi Sultanate”, introduced the Iqta system.
- Razia Sultana – the first woman ruler of India.
✨ Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320 AD)
- Founder – Jalaluddin Khilji.
- Alauddin Khilji – the most powerful ruler.
- Introduced market control and price control system.
- Successfully repelled Mongol invasions.
📌 Alauddin Khilji led military campaigns up to South India.
✨ Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414 AD)
- Founder – Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq – shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, introduced token currency.
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq – construction of canals and preservation of inscriptions.
✨ Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451 AD)
- Founder – Khizr Khan.
- Weak rulers; the Sultanate was divided into small states.
✨ Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526 AD)
- Founder – Bahlul Lodi.
- Sikandar Lodi – founded the city of Agra.
- Ibrahim Lodi – defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (1526 AD).
🎯 Important Points for Exams:
✦ Five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate – Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi.
✦ Iltutmish – real founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
✦ Razia Sultana – first woman ruler of India.
✦ Alauddin Khilji – market control, defeated Mongol invasions.
✦ Muhammad bin Tughlaq – token currency, transfer of capital.
✦ Sikandar Lodi – founder of Agra.
✦ Ibrahim Lodi – First Battle of Panipat (1526 AD).
✦ Five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate – Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi.
✦ Iltutmish – real founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
✦ Razia Sultana – first woman ruler of India.
✦ Alauddin Khilji – market control, defeated Mongol invasions.
✦ Muhammad bin Tughlaq – token currency, transfer of capital.
✦ Sikandar Lodi – founder of Agra.
✦ Ibrahim Lodi – First Battle of Panipat (1526 AD).
❓ Expected MCQs
Q1. Who was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate?
➡️ Answer: Qutbuddin Aibak
Q2. Who is known as the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate?
➡️ Answer: Iltutmish
Q3. Who was the first woman ruler of India?
➡️ Answer: Razia Sultana
Q4. Who introduced token currency?
➡️ Answer: Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Q5. The First Battle of Panipat was fought between whom?
➡️ Answer: Ibrahim Lodi and Babur
🏆 Conclusion
The Delhi Sultanate is an important chapter of Medieval Indian history. It witnessed major administrative, economic, and cultural changes. For competitive examinations, it is essential to remember the major rulers and their policies.
📝 Practice Quiz
Practice questions based on this topic and strengthen your preparation.
👉 Start Quiz