DELHI SULTANATE – Complete Study Notes for UPSC
These notes are specially prepared for UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims + Mains). Focus on chronology, administration, economy, architecture, religious policy, and causes of decline.
1. Introduction
The Delhi Sultanate refers to the Muslim rule in India from 1206 to 1526. It was established after the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan by Muhammad Ghori. The Sultanate consisted of five dynasties.
- Time Period: 1206 – 1526
- Capital: Delhi
- Founder: Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- End: Defeated by Babur (First Battle of Panipat, 1526)
2. Five Dynasties of Delhi Sultanate
1️⃣ Slave Dynasty (1206–1290)
- Founder: Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- Important rulers: Iltutmish, Razia Sultan, Balban
- Iltutmish introduced Iqta system
- Razia Sultan – First and only female ruler
- Balban strengthened monarchy
2️⃣ Khalji Dynasty (1290–1320)
- Founder: Jalaluddin Khalji
- Alauddin Khalji – Most powerful ruler
- Market control system
- Military reforms
- Defeated Mongol invasions
3️⃣ Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414)
- Founder: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq – Known for ambitious experiments
- Shifted capital to Daulatabad
- Token currency experiment
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq – Public works, canals
4️⃣ Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451)
- Founder: Khizr Khan
- Weak rulers
- Controlled limited territory
5️⃣ Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526)
- Founder: Bahlol Lodi
- Sikandar Lodi – Administrative reforms
- Ibrahim Lodi – Defeated by Babur in 1526
3. Administration
Central Administration
- Sultan – Supreme authority
- Wazir – Head of revenue
- Ariz-i-Mamalik – Military head
- Diwan-i-Insha – Correspondence
- Diwan-i-Rasalat – Foreign affairs
Iqta System
- Introduced by Iltutmish
- Land assigned to officials (Iqta holders)
- Revenue collected by Muqtis
4. Economy
- Agriculture main source of income
- Land revenue system
- Alauddin Khalji market reforms
- Price control measures
- Trade with Central Asia
5. Military System
- Standing army under Alauddin Khalji
- Branding of horses (Dagh system)
- Descriptive roll of soldiers (Chehra system)
6. Architecture
- Qutub Minar
- Alai Darwaza
- Tughlaqabad Fort
- Lodi Garden structures
- Use of arches and domes
- Islamic style
- Calligraphy decoration
7. Religious Policy
- Islamic state concept
- Jizya tax on non-Muslims
- Ulema influence
- Some rulers were tolerant
8. Causes of Decline
- Weak successors
- Internal rebellions
- Financial crisis
- Mongol invasions
- Babur's invasion (1526)
9. Important UPSC Points
- Iqta system = Key administrative feature
- Alauddin Khalji reforms frequently asked
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq experiments important
- Architecture = Beginning of Indo-Islamic style
- Transition from Sultanate to Mughal rule