- Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316 CE) was the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
- He implemented a strong central administration and sought to curb the power of the nobility and aristocracy.
- Alauddin Khilji is known for his market control policies to regulate the prices of essential goods.
- He introduced a well-organized spy system to maintain law and order.
- He launched military campaigns and annexed regions like Gujarat, Ranthambore, and Malwa.
- Alauddin Khilji is celebrated for his victory against the Mongols, who threatened Delhi during his reign.
- The construction of the Alai Darwaza is attributed to him, a notable architectural achievement.
- He established the Diwan-i-Riyasat to oversee the market regulations and implemented stringent punishments for violations.
- His reign is noted for the suppression of local rulers and extensive expansion of the Delhi Sultanate.
- Alauddin’s military general, Malik Kafur, led expeditions in southern India, plundering kingdoms like the Hoysalas and Pandyas.
- He followed a policy of confiscating large estates and wealth from nobles to consolidate power.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351 CE) was known for his ambitious and controversial projects.
- He shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, a decision that led to significant hardships for the population.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced the concept of token currency using brass and copper coins, which failed due to widespread counterfeiting.
- He initiated a failed expedition to conquer Khurasan and Iraq, which drained the treasury.
- His reign saw extensive famine and economic hardships due to overambitious policies and erratic taxation.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign is marked by a blend of brilliance and impracticality, earning him a mixed legacy in history.
- He established a large standing army and introduced reforms to improve revenue collection.
- Despite his failures, he was a patron of scholars and encouraged the study of science and philosophy.
- His taxation policies in the Doab region led to widespread rebellion among peasants.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s administrative experiments reflect his visionary ideas, though they often resulted in disastrous outcomes.
- He attempted to develop agriculture by providing loans (taccavi) to farmers and increasing irrigation facilities.
- The failure of his policies weakened the Delhi Sultanate, paving the way for future challenges and invasions.
- Despite his controversial rule, he expanded the boundaries of the Delhi Sultanate to unprecedented levels.
- His reign saw the establishment of several new towns and a focus on infrastructure development.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s court was known for its intellectual vibrancy, hosting scholars like Ibn Battuta.
- He is credited with the establishment of a department for agriculture, aimed at increasing state revenue.
- The downfall of his reign began with the loss of key territories and increasing rebellion among his subjects.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s legacy remains a subject of debate among historians for his visionary yet impractical policies.
Questions
- Who introduced market regulations and price control measures in the Delhi Sultanate?
- Which ruler of the Delhi Sultanate introduced the system of branding horses (Dagh)?
- Who shifted the capital of the Delhi Sultanate to Daulatabad?
- The introduction of token currency in the Delhi Sultanate was attempted by which ruler?
- Alauddin Khilji established the city of:
- The “Khutba” and “Sikka” were symbols of sovereignty first introduced by which Sultan?
- Which Sultan introduced the "Chaudhari" system for the supervision of the markets?
- Who ordered the taxation of agricultural produce at 50% of the total yield?
- The famous traveller Ibn Battuta visited India during the reign of:
- Who built the Alai Darwaza at the Qutb complex in Delhi?
- The failed invasion of Mongols into India during the Delhi Sultanate occurred under:
- The introduction of a new agricultural tax system on Ganga-Yamuna doab farmers was implemented by:
- Which ruler planned but failed to conquer Khorasan and Iraq?
- The famine during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign occurred in which year?
- Who established a centralized army during the Delhi Sultanate?
- The project of canal construction was initiated by:
- The shifting of the capital to Daulatabad is also referred to as:
- Alauddin Khilji’s economic reforms were designed to:
- The largest standing army of the Delhi Sultanate was created by:
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s idea of shifting the capital failed primarily due to:
- The “Khurasan Expedition” planned by Muhammad bin Tughlaq aimed to conquer which region?
- Which Sultan introduced a land revenue system based on the fertility of the soil?
- The fortress city of Siri was constructed by:
- Who was the first Sultan of Delhi to attempt agricultural improvements and irrigation systems?
- The Sultan who established the “Diwan-i-Riyasat” for market control was:
- Which Sultan’s reign is marked by an emphasis on both administration and military campaigns?
- Who built the “Hauz Khas” reservoir in Delhi?
- The failure of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s policies was due to:
- Which ruler used spies extensively to monitor the empire?
- Which Sultan was known for his ambitious but impractical projects?
- The taxation policy introduced by Alauddin Khilji was implemented to: