Alauddin Khilji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq

  1. Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316 CE) was the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
  2. He implemented a strong central administration and sought to curb the power of the nobility and aristocracy.
  3. Alauddin Khilji is known for his market control policies to regulate the prices of essential goods.
  4. He introduced a well-organized spy system to maintain law and order.
  5. He launched military campaigns and annexed regions like Gujarat, Ranthambore, and Malwa.
  6. Alauddin Khilji is celebrated for his victory against the Mongols, who threatened Delhi during his reign.
  7. The construction of the Alai Darwaza is attributed to him, a notable architectural achievement.
  8. He established the Diwan-i-Riyasat to oversee the market regulations and implemented stringent punishments for violations.
  9. His reign is noted for the suppression of local rulers and extensive expansion of the Delhi Sultanate.
  10. Alauddin’s military general, Malik Kafur, led expeditions in southern India, plundering kingdoms like the Hoysalas and Pandyas.
  11. He followed a policy of confiscating large estates and wealth from nobles to consolidate power.
  12. Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351 CE) was known for his ambitious and controversial projects.
  13. He shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, a decision that led to significant hardships for the population.
  14. Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced the concept of token currency using brass and copper coins, which failed due to widespread counterfeiting.
  15. He initiated a failed expedition to conquer Khurasan and Iraq, which drained the treasury.
  16. His reign saw extensive famine and economic hardships due to overambitious policies and erratic taxation.
  17. Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign is marked by a blend of brilliance and impracticality, earning him a mixed legacy in history.
  18. He established a large standing army and introduced reforms to improve revenue collection.
  19. Despite his failures, he was a patron of scholars and encouraged the study of science and philosophy.
  20. His taxation policies in the Doab region led to widespread rebellion among peasants.
  21. Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s administrative experiments reflect his visionary ideas, though they often resulted in disastrous outcomes.
  22. He attempted to develop agriculture by providing loans (taccavi) to farmers and increasing irrigation facilities.
  23. The failure of his policies weakened the Delhi Sultanate, paving the way for future challenges and invasions.
  24. Despite his controversial rule, he expanded the boundaries of the Delhi Sultanate to unprecedented levels.
  25. His reign saw the establishment of several new towns and a focus on infrastructure development.
  26. Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s court was known for its intellectual vibrancy, hosting scholars like Ibn Battuta.
  27. He is credited with the establishment of a department for agriculture, aimed at increasing state revenue.
  28. The downfall of his reign began with the loss of key territories and increasing rebellion among his subjects.
  29. Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s legacy remains a subject of debate among historians for his visionary yet impractical policies.
Category
Early Medieval India (c. 1200–1526 CE)
History of India