The Delhi Sultanat—II (Circa 1200-1400): The Khaljis and The Tughlaqs

Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze the political transitions following Balban’s death.
2. Evaluate the significance of the Khalji and Tughlaq dynasties.
3. Discuss the internal and external challenges faced by the Delhi Sultanat.
4. Examine the key reforms and experiments undertaken by the rulers.

Political Turmoil After Balban’s Death

After Balban’s death in 1286, Delhi experienced confusion and instability. Prince Mahmud, Balban’s chosen successor, had died earlier in battle against the Mongols. His second son, Bughra Khan, chose to rule over Bengal and Bihar rather than assume the throne in Delhi, despite an invitation from the nobles. Consequently, a grandson of Balban was placed on the throne, but he was too young and inexperienced to manage the complex situation.

Resentment Among Non-Turks and the Rise of the Khaljis

1. Turkish nobles attempted to monopolize high offices, causing resentment among non-Turks.
2. Many Khaljis and Indian Muslims were dissatisfied with their lack of recognition in Delhi and sought opportunities in Bengal and Bihar.
3. Balban’s example of bypassing the sons of Nasiruddin Mahmud demonstrated that a general with sufficient support could usurp the throne.

The Khaljis (1290-1320)

A group of Khalji nobles led by Jalaluddin Khalji overthrew Balban’s successors in 1290. The Khalji rebellion was supported by non-Turkish sections of the nobility. Though of mixed Turkish-Afghan origin, the Khaljis ended the Turkish monopoly of high offices without excluding Turks from power. Jalaluddin Khalji ruled briefly, attempting to soften some of Balban’s harsh policies and gain goodwill among the nobility through tolerance and leniency. However, his approach left the Sultanat vulnerable to internal and external threats. This led to Alauddin Khalji‘s rise to power through treachery, where he murdered Jalaluddin to seize the throne in 1296.

Alauddin Khalji’s Ruthless Reign

Alauddin Khalji established his rule by securing support from nobles and soldiers through lavish spending and severe measures. His regulations:

1. Banned festive gatherings and marriage alliances without the sultan’s permission.
2. Prohibited the use of wines and intoxicants to prevent conspiracy among nobles.
3. Instituted a spy network to monitor nobles.

These methods ensured that no rebellions occurred during his reign. However, after his death in 1316, the dynasty’s instability became evident. Malik Kafur installed a minor son of Alauddin on the throne, imprisoned or blinded his other sons, and was later killed by palace guards. Khusrau, a Hindu convert, briefly ascended the throne before being overthrown by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1320.

Important Note: The rise of the Khaljis and their policies marked a significant shift in the power dynamics within the Delhi Sultanat, breaking the Turkish monopoly on high offices and introducing a new, albeit ruthless, approach to governance.

The Tughlaqs (1320-1412)

Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq established the Tughlaq dynasty, which provided three competent rulers: Ghiyasuddin, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, and Firuz Shah Tughlaq. Ghiyasuddin and Muhammad bin Tughlaq ruled over a vast empire, but Firuz’s rule saw the empire begin to fragment, with the invasion of Delhi by Timur in 1398 marking the end of the Tughlaq empire.

Expansion of the Delhi Sultanat

1. Alauddin Khalji’s expansion brought Gujarat, Malwa, Rajasthan, Deccan, and South India under Sultanat control.
2. The conquest of these regions aimed to bring vast areas under direct Delhi administration, climaxing during Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign.
3. This expansion created administrative and financial strains on the Sultanat, which were exacerbated by Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s experiments.

Internal Reforms and Experiments

Alauddin Khalji’s Market Control and Agrarian Policy

Alauddin Khalji introduced market control measures that were considered remarkable by contemporaries:

1. Fixed the cost of almost all commodities.
2. Controlled the market through a high officer called shahna, who maintained registers and regulated shopkeepers.
3. Ensured cheap foodgrain supply by compelling peasants to sell at low prices to banjaras, who then sold them at state-fixed prices.

To prevent hoarding, all banjaras were registered, and any violations led to collective punishment. The state also set up warehouses to release food grains during famines. Horse prices were controlled to maintain a large army, and land revenue was realized in cash, allowing soldiers to be paid in cash. These measures helped Alauddin raise a large cavalry to repel the Mongols and maintain internal order.

Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s Experiments

Muhammad bin Tughlaq is remembered for his bold but often failed experiments:

1. Transfer of the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad to better control the south.
2. Introduction of token currency in the form of bronze coins, which failed due to forgery and lack of acceptance.
3. Attempted expansion into Khurasan and Iraq and an expedition into the Kumaon hills.

Muhammad Tughlaq also introduced several agrarian reforms, including setting up a diwan-i-amir-i-kohi for agricultural improvement. However, his schemes were largely unsuccessful due to corruption and mismanagement. The diverse nobility he cultivated lacked cohesion and loyalty, leading to the decline of the Sultanat.

Decline and Disintegration of The Delhi Sultanat: Firuz and His Successors

During the latter half of Muhammad Tughlaq’s reign, the Sultanat faced repeated rebellions, particularly in the south, leading to the rise of the Vijayanagara and Bahmani empires. Firuz Tughlaq sought to prevent the empire’s collapse by appeasing the nobles and theologians, avoiding further expansion, and focusing on economic improvements.

Firuz Tughlaq’s Reforms

1. Appeased nobles by making their offices and iqtas hereditary.
2. Appeased theologians by proclaiming an Islamic state and persecuting heretical Muslim sects.
3. Promoted economic development by establishing a large department of public works, building canals, and founding new towns.

However, these reforms weakened the central administration, leading to the eventual disintegration of the Delhi Sultanat after Timur’s invasion in 1398.

MCQ:
Which ruler is known for introducing the ‘token currency’ in the Delhi Sultanat?
A) Alauddin Khalji
B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
C) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
D) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Answer: B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq