The Delhi Sultans Class 7 History Chapter Notes

The Foundation and Consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate marked the beginning of a significant period in Indian history, establishing Muslim rule over large parts of the subcontinent. The first rulers, often referred to as the Slave Dynasty or Mamluk Dynasty, came after the Ghorid invasions. Qutb al-Din Aibak, a general of Muhammad Ghori, established the Sultanate in 1206 AD after Ghori's death. He initiated the construction of the Qutb Minar and the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque.

His successor, Iltutmish, is considered the real consolidator of the Sultanate. He effectively crushed internal revolts and external threats, making Delhi the capital instead of Lahore. Iltutmish introduced the Iqta system, dividing his empire into 'iqtas' or assignments of land, given to military commanders and nobles in lieu of cash salaries. These assignees, known as Muqtis or Iqtadars, were responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting revenue in their iqtas. He also introduced silver tanka and copper jital coins.

Iltutmish's daughter, Raziyya Sultan, became the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Despite her capabilities, she faced immense opposition from the nobles and was eventually deposed in 1240 AD due to their reluctance to accept a female ruler. Following a period of instability, Ghiyas ud din Balban ascended the throne. Balban was a strong and ruthless ruler who adopted a policy of 'blood and iron' to restore order and prestige to the Sultanate. He strengthened the army, suppressed rebellions, and emphasized the divine nature of kingship, introducing practices like sijdah (prostration) and paibos (kissing the monarch's feet) to assert royal authority. His reign brought stability and centralized control, paving the way for the Khalji dynasty.

Key Terms from The Delhi Sultans

Iqta

A land assignment given by the Sultan to his military commanders and nobles, in exchange for their military services and revenue collection duties.

Muqti/Iqtadar

The holder of an Iqta, responsible for maintaining law and order, leading military campaigns, and collecting revenue from their assigned territories.

Tariq/Tawarikh

Historical accounts written in Persian, the language of administration under the Delhi Sultans. These often provided praise for the Sultans and were written by learned men.

Bandagan

Special slaves purchased by the Sultans for military service and administrative tasks. They were carefully trained and often rose to high political positions, as they were loyal to their master.

Garrison Town

Fortified settlements where soldiers were stationed. These towns were crucial for controlling the surrounding areas and protecting trade routes.

Khilat

A robe of honour given by the Sultan to officials or dignitaries as a mark of favour or recognition.

Ulema

Muslim scholars and religious leaders who advised the Sultan on matters of law and religion.

Must Remember: Key Dynasties and Rulers

• Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty (1206-1290 AD): Qutb al-Din Aibak (founder), Iltutmish (consolidator), Raziyya Sultan (first female ruler), Ghiyas ud din Balban (strong centralized rule).
• Khalji Dynasty (1290-1320 AD): Jalal ud din Khalji (founder), Alauddin Khalji (most powerful ruler, significant administrative and market reforms, vast conquests).
• Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 AD): Ghiyas ud din Tughlaq (founder), Muhammad Tughlaq (experimental policies like token currency and capital shift), Firuz Shah Tughlaq (public works, canals, new towns).
• Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 AD): Khizr Khan (founder), relatively short and weak rule.
• Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526 AD): Bahlul Lodi (founder), Ibrahim Lodi (last ruler, defeated by Babur in 1526 at the Battle of Panipat, marking the end of the Sultanate and beginning of the Mughal Empire).
• Internal Frontier: Consolidation of the hinterlands of the garrison towns, controlling forested areas, and bringing agricultural lands under direct administration.
• External Frontier: Military expeditions into distant regions of the subcontinent, especially southern India, to collect tribute and establish control.
• Qutb Minar Complex: Started by Qutb al-Din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish, showcases early Indo-Islamic architecture. Alai Darwaza was added by Alauddin Khalji.

Administrative Policies: Alauddin Khalji vs. Muhammad Tughluq

Exam Strategies for Delhi Sultans Chapter

To excel in this chapter, focus on chronological order of dynasties and key rulers. Pay attention to cause-and-effect relationships; for example, how Mongol invasions influenced Khalji's administrative reforms. Be prepared to identify specific policies with their respective Sultans (e.g., 'iqta system' with Iltutmish, 'market control' with Alauddin Khalji, 'token currency' with Muhammad Tughluq). Map-based questions might ask you to identify territories under different Sultans or important cities. Practice recalling important architectural structures and their builders. Understanding why certain policies failed (e.g., Muhammad Tughluq's experiments) is also crucial for analytical questions.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: Who was the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate? A: Raziyya Sultan.
• Q: What was the main purpose of the 'iqta' system introduced by Iltutmish? A: To assign land to military commanders in lieu of salaries, for revenue collection and maintaining law and order.
• Q: Name two significant administrative reforms implemented by Alauddin Khalji. A: Strict market control measures (fixed prices) and direct collection of taxes from the peasantry.
• Q: Which dynasty succeeded the Khalji dynasty? A: The Tughlaq Dynasty.

Frequently Asked Questions