The period following Timur's invasion marked a critical transition in North Indian history. Sultan Mahmud Tughlaq fled Delhi, leading to a fragmented political landscape and the rise of new powers such as the Sharqi Dynasty, Saiyid Dynasty, and Lodi Dynasty. This era (15th-16th century) witnessed cultural, architectural, and administrative developments, making it highly relevant for students preparing for history exams and competitive tests.
North India After Timur's Invasion: Rise of Sharqi, Saiyid, and Lodi Dynasties (15th-16th Century)
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After Timur's invasion, the Delhi Sultanate's authority collapsed, giving rise to regional powers and cultural flourishing.
- (i) Sultan Mahmud Tughlaq fled to Gujarat and Malwa.
- (ii) Prestige of the Delhi throne was shattered, and ambitious nobles asserted independence.
- (iii) Emergence of regional dynasties reshaped North India's political and cultural landscape.
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Malik Sarwar and the Sharqi Dynasty in Jaunpur
Malik Sarwar, a prominent noble of Firuz Tughlaq, established the independent Sharqi Dynasty with Jaunpur as its capital.
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Establishment and Governance of the Sharqi Dynasty
- (i) Appointed as wazir, later nominated as Malik-us-Sharq (Lord of the East).
- (ii) Successors known as Sharqis ruled from Jaunpur.
- (iii) Maintained law, order, and independence from Delhi’s control.
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Cultural and Architectural Contributions
- (a) Jaunpur became famous for magnificent palaces, mosques, and mausoleums.
- (b) Sharqi architecture featured lofty gates and huge arches, distinct from Delhi's style.
- (c) Jaunpur known as ‘Shiraz of the East’; patronized poets like Malik Muhammad Jaisi, author of Padmavat.
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Expansion and Decline
- Territorial Reach: Extended from Aligarh to Darbhanga, and from Nepal to Bundelkhand.
- Decline: Failed to conquer Delhi, lost western UP, and faced multiple assaults.
- End: Bahlul Lodi annexed Jaunpur in 1484; the last Sharqi ruler died in exile at Chunar.
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Law and Order
- (i) Maintained stability, preventing Bengal's influence in eastern UP.
- (ii) Cultural and administrative traditions continued post their downfall.
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Saiyid Dynasty in Delhi
Following the Timurid invasion, Afghan sardars rose in Punjab, establishing the Saiyid Dynasty.
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Role of Bahlul Lodi
- (i) Most prominent Afghan sardar, granted iqta of Sirhind.
- (ii) Dominated Punjab, checked the Khokhars, and ended the Saiyid dynasty in 1451.
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Lodi Dynasty in North India
Afghan rulers, the Lodis, controlled the upper Ganga valley and Punjab from mid-15th century, bringing political stability.
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Reign of Bahlul Lodi
- (i) Contested Sharqi rulers, invited Afghans of Roh to consolidate power.
- (ii) Afghan historian Abbas Sarwani noted large influx of Afghans joining his service.
- (iii) Changed the social and political structure of Muslim society in India.
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Reign of Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517)
- (i) Contemporary of Mahmud Begarha of Gujarat and Rana Sanga of Mewar.
- (ii) Subdued Afghan sardars and established efficient administration.
- (iii) Introduced gazz-i-Sikandari, abolished octroi on grains, promoted agriculture.
- (iv) Orthodox ruler, enforced Sharia, re-imposed jizyah, demolished some temples.
- (v) Patron of learning, promoted translation of Sanskrit into Persian, encouraged cultural harmony.
- (vi) Conquered Dholpur and Gwaliyar, founded Agra in 1506.
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Reign of Ibrahim Lodi
- (i) Expanded dominions into eastern Rajasthan and Malwa.
- (ii) Clashed with Mewar and other regional powers, paving way for Babur's invasion.
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Summary: Significance of Post-Timur Dynasties in North India
The period after Timur's invasion saw the rise of Sharqi, Saiyid, and Lodi dynasties, shaping the political, cultural, and architectural landscape of North India. These developments are essential for students studying medieval Indian history and understanding the transition of power before the Mughal era.
