Delhi Sultanate (1206 – 1526 CE)
Delhi Police Exam History Section
Introduction
Delhi Sultanate refers to the series of 5 major dynasties that ruled Delhi before the Mughals came.
They ruled approx 320 years and established strong Islamic rule in Northern India.
5 Dynasties:
Slave / Mamluk Dynasty
(1206-1290)
Khilji Dynasty
(1290-1320)
Tughlaq Dynasty
(1320-1414)
Sayyid Dynasty
(1414-1451)
Lodi Dynasty
(1451-1526)
1) Slave / Mamluk Dynasty
Founded by Qutbuddin Aibak
Built Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, began construction of Qutub Minar
Successor: Iltutmish → real consolidator, completed Qutub Minar
Raziyya Sultan → first woman ruler of Delhi Sultanate
Last ruler: Balban → strong centralized rule
"Blood and Iron policy" by Balban
2) Khilji Dynasty
Founder: Jalaluddin Khilji
Most powerful: Alauddin Khilji
Conquests: Deccan expeditions, Gujarat, Ranthambore
Introduced Price Control, Market Control policies
Defeated Mongols several times
Alai Darwaza built by him in Qutub Complex
3) Tughlaq Dynasty
Founder: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Most famous: Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Firuz Shah Tughlaq – built canals, promoted agriculture
Repaired old monuments and buildings
Strange experimental policies by Muhammad bin Tughlaq:
Token Currency experiment
Capital shift from Delhi → Daulatabad
4) Sayyid Dynasty
Weakest of all 5 dynasties
Founder: Khizr Khan (appointed by Timur)
Very limited territorial control
5) Lodi Dynasty
Afghan origin dynasty
Founder: Bahlol Lodi
Sikandar Lodi → improved administration, founded city of Agra
Ibrahim Lodi → defeated by Babur in 1st Battle of Panipat (1526)
Ended Delhi Sultanate & started Mughal rule
Administration & Features of Sultanate Rule
Persian was court language
Sultans had absolute power
Iqta System (land revenue system) developed strongly under Iltutmish
Sufi + Bhakti interactions increased in this phase
Quick Recap (6 Final Points)
5 Dynasties ruled: Slave → Khilji → Tughlaq → Sayyid → Lodi
Iltutmish completed Qutub Minar
Alauddin Khilji introduced strict Market Control system
Muhammad bin Tughlaq known for failed experiments
Sikandar Lodi founded Agra
1526: Babur ended Lodi dynasty
Sample Questions (MCQ Practice)
Who founded the Lodi Dynasty?
Options: (a) Sikandar Lodi (b) Ibrahim Lodi (c) Bahlol Lodi (d) Babur
View Answer
C. Bahlol Lodi
Which Sultan introduced Market Control measures?
Options: (a) Raziyya Sultan (b) Alauddin Khilji (c) Firuz Shah Tughlaq (d) Balban
View Answer
B. Alauddin Khilji
The capital shift to Daulatabad was done by?
Options: (a) Babur (b) Balban (c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (d) Iltutmish
View Answer
C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Previous Year Type Pattern Questions
Who was the first woman ruler of Delhi Sultanate?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Raziyya Sultan
Who defeated Ibrahim Lodi?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (1526)
Which Sultan started the construction of Qutub Minar?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Qutbuddin Aibak started it, Iltutmish completed it
You've completed Delhi Sultanate Concepts!
Courage Tip: Remember the chronological order of the 5 dynasties - Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi. Focus on key rulers like Alauddin Khilji (market reforms), Muhammad bin Tughlaq (experimental policies), and the Lodi dynasty's end at Panipat. The Delhi Sultanate period is crucial for understanding medieval Indian administration and architecture. Memorize important monuments like Qutub Minar and Alai Darwaza for exam success.
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