SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
Introduction
- Muslim kingdom based mostly in Delhi
- Ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent for over 320 years, from 1206 to 1526
- It laid the foundation for Muslim rule in India
- Succeeded by the Mughal Empire
- There were five dynasties in the Delhi Sultanate
Dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate
| Dynasty | Period | Founder |
|---|---|---|
| Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty | 1206–1290 | Qutb-ud-din Aibak |
| Khilji Dynasty | 1290–1320 | Jalal-ud-din Khilji |
| Tughlaq Dynasty | 1320–1414 | Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq |
| Sayyid Dynasty | 1414–1451 | Khizr Khan |
| Lodi Dynasty | 1451–1526 | Bahlol Lodi |
Important Rulers & Contributions
Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206–1210)
- Founder of Mamluk Dynasty (also called the Slave Dynasty)
- Built Qutub Minar (started), and Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
- Died while playing polo (chaugan)
Iltutmish (1211-1236)
- Consolidated the Sultanate
- Introduced Iqta system and silver tanka, copper jital coins
- Got recognition from the Caliph of Baghdad
Razia Sultana (1236–1240)
- First and only female ruler of Delhi Sultanate
- Faced opposition from nobles and was eventually defeated
Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316)
- Famous for market reforms, price control
- Defeated Mongols, expanded into South India
- Appointed Malik Kafur for Deccan campaigns
Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351)
-
Known for ambitious but failed experiments:
- Transfer of capital from Delhi to Daulatabad
- Introduction of token currency (copper coins)
Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388)
- Focused on infrastructure: canals, hospitals, rest houses
- Set up Diwan-i-Khairat (charity dept.) and Diwan-i-Bandagan (for slaves)
Bahlol Lodi (1451–1489)
- Founder of Lodi Dynasty
- Aimed to strengthen the Sultanate
Ibrahim Lodi (1517–1526)
- Last ruler of Delhi Sultanate.
- Defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (1526) → beginning of Mughal Empire
Key Features of the Delhi Sultanate
- Centralized monarchy under Islamic law (Sharia)
- Persian was the official language
- Introduced new land revenue systems
- Growth of Indo-Islamic culture and architecture
For SSC Exams – Key Points to Remember
| Topic | Important Point |
|---|---|
| Qutb Minar | Aibak (started), Iltutmish (completed) |
| Only woman ruler | Razia Sultana |
| Mongol threat handled best by | Alauddin Khilji |
| Most experiments (capital shift, token currency) | Muhammad bin Tughlaq |
| First Battle of Panipat(1526) | Babur vs. Ibrahim Lodi |
Developed By Roopasree Challa
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