<–2/”>a >The Delhi Sultanate basically refers to the Muslim rulers who ruled India through Delhi. This basically came into existence after Mohammed Ghori captured Delhi after defeating Prithviraj. After Prithviraj was captured, the Delhi Sultanate went into the hands of one of Ghori’s generals known as Qutub-ud-din Aibak. During the end of the 12th century, he established a series of rulers and this dynasty was called as the slave dynasty since the rulers had been military slaves. Read more about the history of the Delhi sultanate in India.
The extent of Delhi sultanate was till Bengal in the east and Deccan in the south. Even such a big sultanate faced constant threats from the North West and was also under pressure from internal politics within independent nobles. There was instability and unrest in the kingdom as there five dynasties that rose and fell which includes Slave dynasty, Khilji dynasty, Tughlaq dynasty, Sayyid dynasty and Lodhi Dynasty. It was under the Khilji dynasty that most of South India was conquered. The territory was never fixed and depended upon the ability of the ruler as to how much was he able to conquer and control.
The effectiveness of a ruler during this time depended entirely upon his ability to conquer the places that fell near military highways and trade routes, collect land tax for revenue of the state and have firm authority over military and state governors. agriculture and its related activities were the main source of livelihood in the kingdom but due to continued political unrest and instability, thepeasants suffered greatly. During this time, Persian language developed to a great extent at the places where power was concentrated.
Mahmud of Ghazni
- Ghazni was a small kingdom in Afghanistan, which was founded by a Turkish nobleman in the tenth century. One of its successors, namely Mahmud wanted to make Ghazni into a big and powerful kingdom; therefore, he decided to conquer a part of Central Asia.
- In order to make his large and powerful army, Mahmud had needed a huge property; hence, he decided to attack India to rob Indian wealth (to accomplish his great ambition).
- The first raid of Mahmud began in A.D. 1,000. In a short period of twenty-five years, Mahmud made seventeen raids. Meanwhile, he fought battles in Central Asia and in Afghanistan as well.
- Between A.D. 1,010 and 1025, Mahmud attacked only on the temple towns in northern India, as he had heard that there were much gold and jewelry kept in the big temples in India.
- One of these attacks, which is frequently mentioned while discussing Medieval History, was the destruction of the Somnath temple located in western India.
- In 1,030, Mahmud died and the people of northern India get relieved. Though Mahmud was destructor for the Indians, but in his own country, he was a builder of a beautiful mosque and a large library.
- Mahmud was the patron of the famous Persian poet, Firdausi, who wrote the epic poem ‘Shah Namah.’
- Mahmud sent the Central Asian scholar Alberuni to India, who lived here for many years and had written his experience, describing the country and the condition of the people.
Muhammad Ghori
- Muhammad Ghori was the ruler of the Ghor kingdom, a small kingdom of Afghanistan. He was the supreme ruler of Ghurid Empire.
- Ghori was more ambitious than Mahmud, as he was not only interested in robbing wealth of India, but also intended in conquering northern India and adding it to his kingdom.
- Since Punjab had already been a part of the Ghazni kingdom; therefore, it made easier to Ghori to plan India campaign.
- Muhammad’s most important campaign in India was against the Chauhan ruler, Prithviraj III. In 1191, Prithviraj defeated Ghori; this battle is popularly known as the ‘first battle of Tarain.’
- In 1192, Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj in the second battle of Tarin. The defeat of Prithviraj opened the Delhi area to Muhammad and he began to establish his power.
- In 1206, Ghori was murdered and his kingdom in northern India was left in the control of his general Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
- After Muhammad Ghori’s death, slave sultans were ruled India.
The Slave Sultans (AD. 1206-1290)
- Mamlukswere the earliest rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. They are also known as the Slave Kings because many of them were either slaves or were the sons of slaves and became Sultans.
- The first of the slave kings was Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who was the general of Muhammad Ghori. After the death of Ghori, Qutb-ud-din stayed in India and established his kingdom.
- The ruler of Ghazni tried to annex the territory held by Qutb-ud-din, but he failed. When lltutmish succeeded Qutbud-din as Sultan, a separate kingdom was established in the northern India, namely Delhi Sultanate.
- Over a period of time, the Sultans of Delhi extended their control up to Bengal in the east and Sind in the west.
- During the Sultanate period, there was the problem of the local Indian rulers who had been conquered. Sultans had taken territories of some rulers and some others were allowed to keep it.
- The rulers who were allowed to keep their territories paid a sum of Money as a tribute and agreed to help the Sultan with military support when required.
- Sultanate had also problems from the north-west, for example, the rulers of Afghanistan were quiet, but the Mongol people of Central Asia, led by Chenghiz Khan, made fresh conquests.
- The Sultan Iltutmishhad faced the administrative problems. However, when he died, his daughter Raziya became the sultan and she had to face the problems.
- After Iltutmish, the next important Sultans was Balban, a strong and iron-willed Sultan. He was more successful in solving the problems than his predecessors. He defended the Sultanate from the attacks of the Mongols.
- Balban fought against the local rulers who troubled him. His biggest problem was the nobles who had become very powerful and were threatening the position of the Sultan. Slowly but firmly, Balban broke their power and finally the position of the Sultan became all-important.
- Balban’s success was integrated into his strategic administrative policy. He successfully changed the organization of the army and curbed the revolt of the nobles.
- Balban encouraged people to do the ‘sijdah’ in his presence. Sijdahmeans, people had to kneel and touch the ground with their forehead in salutation to him (Balban).
- Sijdah, horrified the orthodox Muslims. According to Muslims belief, “all men are equal, and therefore, no one should do the sijdahbefore anyone else except God.”
- Khilji dynasty came afterMamluks and ruled until A. D. 1320.
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The Delhi Sultanate was a Muslim empire that ruled over much of northern India from 1206 to 1526. It was founded by Qutbuddin Aibak, a slave of the Ghurid ruler Muhammad Ghori. Aibak defeated the Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan at the Battle of Tarain in 1192, and this victory marked the beginning of Muslim rule in India.
The Delhi Sultanate was a powerful empire that reached its peak under the rule of Iltutmish (1211-1236). Iltutmish expanded the empire’s territory and built many mosques and madrasas. He also established a strong central government and promoted the study of Islamic law and literature.
The Delhi Sultanate declined after the death of Iltutmish. The empire was plagued by internal conflicts and external threats, and it eventually collapsed in 1526 when it was conquered by the Mughal emperor Babur.
Despite its short-lived existence, the Delhi Sultanate had a profound impact on Indian history. It introduced Islam to the subcontinent and helped to shape the culture and Society of India. The Delhi Sultanate also played a significant role in the development of the Mughal Empire.
Qutbuddin Aibak
Qutbuddin Aibak was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. He was a slave of Muhammad Ghori, the ruler of the Ghurid Empire. In 1192, Ghori defeated the Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan at the Battle of Tarain. After this victory, Ghori appointed Aibak as the governor of India. Aibak ruled India from 1192 to 1210. He built the Qutub Minar, a minaret in Delhi, which is one of the tallest brick towers in the world.
Iltutmish
Iltutmish was the second ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He was a slave of Qutbuddin Aibak. Iltutmish ruled India from 1211 to 1236. He was a powerful ruler who expanded the Delhi Sultanate. He also built many mosques and madrasas in Delhi.
Razia
Razia was the first female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. She was the daughter of Iltutmish. Razia ruled India from 1236 to 1240. She was a capable ruler who faced many challenges, including opposition from her own family and the nobility. She was eventually killed by her own generals.
Nature of early Turkish rule
The early Turkish rulers of India were Muslims. They brought with them their own culture and religion. They built mosques and madrasas, and they promoted the study of Islamic law and literature. They also introduced new crops and agricultural techniques to India.
The early Turkish rulers of India were often seen as foreign invaders. They were not always accepted by the local Population, and they faced many rebellions. However, they also made significant contributions to Indian culture and society. They built many beautiful mosques and other buildings, and they promoted the study of Islamic law and literature. They also introduced new crops and agricultural techniques to India, which helped to improve the lives of many people.
The early Turkish rulers of India were a complex group of people. They were both conquerors and builders. They brought with them their own culture and religion, but they also adapted to Indian customs and traditions. They made significant contributions to Indian history, and their legacy continues to be felt today.
Qutubuddin Aibak
- Who was Qutubuddin Aibak?
Qutbuddin Aibak was a Turkish slave who became the first Sultan of Delhi in 1206. He was a general in the army of Muhammad Ghori, who conquered much of northern India in the 12th century. - What did Qutubuddin Aibak do as Sultan of Delhi?
Qutubuddin Aibak established the Delhi Sultanate, which ruled over much of northern India for over 300 years. He also built the Qutub Minar, a minaret that is one of the tallest brick towers in the world. - How did Qutubuddin Aibak die?
Qutubuddin Aibak died in a riding accident in 1210. He was succeeded by his son, Iltutmish.
Iltutmish
- Who was Iltutmish?
Iltutmish was the second Sultan of Delhi. He was a slave of Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi. - What did Iltutmish do as Sultan of Delhi?
Iltutmish expanded the Delhi Sultanate and made it a powerful force in northern India. He also built many mosques and other buildings in Delhi. - How did Iltutmish die?
Iltutmish died in 1236. He was succeeded by his daughter, Razia Sultana.
Razia Sultana
- Who was Razia Sultana?
Razia Sultana was the first and only female Sultan of Delhi. She was the daughter of Iltutmish, the second Sultan of Delhi. - What did Razia Sultana do as Sultan of Delhi?
Razia Sultana was a capable ruler who tried to reform the Delhi Sultanate. She was also a strong and independent woman who refused to be controlled by her male relatives. - How did Razia Sultana die?
Razia Sultana was killed in battle in 1240. She was succeeded by her cousin, Muizuddin Bahram Shah.
Nature of early Turkish rule
What was the nature of early Turkish rule in India?
Early Turkish rule in India was characterized by a number of features, including:- The establishment of a strong central government in Delhi
- The expansion of the Delhi Sultanate into other parts of India
- The construction of mosques and other buildings
- The introduction of new ideas and technologies
What were the effects of early Turkish rule on India?
Early Turkish rule had a number of effects on India, including:- The spread of Islam
- The development of a new political system
- The introduction of new ideas and technologies
- The mixing of Indian and Turkish cultures
Question 1
The Delhi Sultanate was founded by:
(a) Qutubuddin Aibak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Razia Sultan
(d) Alauddin Khalji
Answer
(a) Qutubuddin Aibak
Question 2
Qutubuddin Aibak was a:
(a) Turk
(b) Afghan
(c) Mughal
(d) Rajput
Answer
(a) Turk
Question 3
Iltutmish was the son-in-law of:
(a) Qutubuddin Aibak
(b) Razia Sultan
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Muhammad bin Tughluq
Answer
(a) Qutubuddin Aibak
Question 4
Razia Sultan was the first woman to rule the Delhi Sultanate. She was the daughter of:
(a) Qutubuddin Aibak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Alauddin Khalji
(d) Muhammad bin Tughluq
Answer
(b) Iltutmish
Question 5
The Delhi Sultanate was a Muslim empire that ruled over much of northern India from the 12th to the 16th centuries. It was founded by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1206, and its last ruler was Ibrahim Lodhi, who was defeated by Babur in 1526.
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of great change and upheaval in Indian history. It was during this time that Islam first came to India, and the country was ruled by a series of Muslim dynasties. The Delhi Sultanate also saw the rise of the Mughal Empire, which would go on to rule over most of India for the next three centuries.
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of great cultural and Economic Development. The Turks brought with them their own culture and traditions, which blended with the existing Indian culture to create a new and unique culture. The Delhi Sultanate also saw the rise of a number of important cities, such as Delhi, Agra, and Lahore.
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of great political and military power. The Turks were skilled warriors, and they were able to conquer much of northern India. The Delhi Sultanate also had a strong military, which was able to defend the empire from its enemies.
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of great religious and Social Change. The Turks were Muslims, and they brought their religion with them to India. Islam spread rapidly during this time, and it became the dominant religion in northern India. The Delhi Sultanate also saw the rise of a number of important religious figures, such as Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusrow.
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of great change and upheaval, but it was also a period of great cultural, economic, political, and religious development. The Delhi Sultanate left a lasting legacy on India, and its influence can still be seen today.
Question 6
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of great change and upheaval in Indian history. It was during this time that Islam first came to India, and the country was ruled by a series of Muslim dynasties. The Delhi Sultanate also saw the rise of the Mughal Empire, which would go on to rule over most of India for the next three centuries.
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of great cultural and economic development. The Turks brought with them their own culture and traditions, which blended with the existing Indian culture to create a new and unique culture. The Delhi Sultanate also saw the rise of a number of important cities, such as Delhi, Agra, and Lahore.
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of great political and military power. The Turks were skilled warriors, and they were able to conquer much of northern India. The Delhi Sultanate also had a strong military, which was able to defend the empire from its enemies.
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of great religious and social change. The Turks were Muslims, and they brought their religion with them to India. Islam spread rapidly during this time, and it became the dominant religion in northern India. The Delhi Sultanate also saw the rise of a number of important religious figures, such as Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusrow.
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of great change and upheaval, but it was also a period of great cultural, economic, political, and religious development. The Delhi Sultanate left a lasting legacy on India, and its influence can still be seen today.
Question 7
The Delhi Sultanate was founded in 1206 by Qutubuddin Aibak, a Turk. Aibak was a general in the army of Muhammad Ghori,