A chronological overview of the Khalji and Tughlaq dynasties, exploring the key events that shaped the Delhi Sultanate from 1286 to 1412.
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The Khaljis and the Tughlaqs
Before the Khaljis (1286-1290)
Overview:
After Balban's death in 1286, Delhi faced confusion and instability.
Prince Mahmud, Balban's chosen successor, died earlier in battle.
Bughra Khan declined Delhi's throne and preferred Bengal and Bihar.
Turkish nobles' monopoly on high offices led to resentment among non-Turks like the Khaljis.
Many Khaljis, of mixed Turkish-Afghan origin, had moved to Bengal and Bihar seeking advancement.
Indian Muslims in the nobility were dissatisfied with being denied high offices.
The Khaljis (1290-1320)
Overview:
Led by Jalaluddin Khalji, Khalji nobles overthrew Balban's incompetent successors in 1290.
Khalji rebellion was supported by non-Turkish sections of the nobility.
Jalaluddin Khalji ruled for six years, trying to mitigate Balban's harsh policies.
Advocated for a state based on support from the governed, acknowledging India's Hindu majority.
Alauddin Khalji came to power in 1296 by killing Jalaluddin Khalji.
Accumulated wealth through military campaigns, facing rebellions and opposition initially.
Established severe control through punishments, including massacres and regulations on nobles.
Made nobles subservient but destroyed the old nobility, paving way for anyone to ascend the throne.
After Alauddin's death in 1316, succession issues arose, leading to Khusrau's brief reign.
Khusrau, a Hindu convert, ruled without significant opposition from Muslims, indicating broad acceptance.
The Tughlaqs (1320-1412)
Overview:
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq founded the Tughlaq dynasty, ruling until 1412.
Competent rulers like Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Firuz Shah Tughlaq expanded the empire.
After Firuz Shah's death, the Delhi Sultanate fragmented into smaller states.
Timur's invasion in 1398 is considered marking the end of the Tughlaq empire.
General Observations and Conclusions
Overview:
The Delhi Sultanate under Alauddin Khalji saw centralization through severe methods.
Khaljis and Tughlaqs' periods witnessed significant expansion and subsequent internal challenges.
Succession struggles and external invasions contributed to the decline of the Delhi Sultanate.
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