Page 23 - Journeys Through Society-7

Firoz Shah Tughluq (1351 CE-1388 CE) Punjab occupied the throne of Delhi and founded the
Muhammad bin Tughluq was succeeded by his cousin,
Firoz Shah Tughluq. Firoz could neither suppress
revolts nor win back the provinces that had broken
away. However, he promoted agriculture, trade and
crafts, built many new towns and patronised learning.
After Firoz’s death in 1388 CE, the sultanate rapidly
declined.
Sayyid Dynasty (1414 CE-1451 CE)
The Sayyid dynasty was established by Khizr Khan. He
was appointed by Timur to be the governor of Multan
(Punjab). Khizr Khan took control over Delhi on May
28, 1414, and founded the Sayyid dynasty. Khizr Khan
was succeeded by his son, Mubarak Khan. Mubarak
Khan styled himself as Muizz-ud-Din Mubarak Shah in
his coins. He spent most of his rule in controlling the
rebellions of the nobles.
After the death of Mubarak Khan, his nephew,
Muhammad Khan ascended the throne and styled
himself as Sultan Muhammad Shah. Just before
Muhammad Shah died, he called his son, Alauddin
from Badaun and nominated him as his successor. The
last ruler of his dynasty, Alauddin Alam Shah,
voluntarily abdicated the throne in favour of Bahlul
Khan Lodi in 1451 CE and left for Badaun. He
continued to live there until his death in 1478 CE.
The tomb of Muhammad Shah, Lodi Garden
Lodi Dynasty (1451 CE-1526 CE)
Bahlul Lodi (1451 CE-1489 CE)
In 1451 CE, Bahlul Lodi who was the Governor of
Wow Fact
Lodi Garden is considered to be the first
enclosed garden tomb in India.
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Lodi dynasty. He ruled over Delhi for 37 years.
Sikandar Lodi (1489 CE-1517 CE)
Sikandar Lodi ascended the throne in 1489. He
annexed Jaipur and Bihar and brought the entire
region of the Gangetic plains under his control.
Ibrahim Lodi (1517 CE-1526 CE)
Ibrahim Lodi was the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
It is said that he was an arrogant ruler and treated the
Afghan nobles with little respect. In retaliation, the
nobles invited Babur, the ruler of Kabul, to invade
India. Babur met Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in
1526 CE and defeated the latter, leading to the
establishment of the Mughal Empire.
Administration of Delhi Sultanate
The rule of Delhi sultanate was organised under the
following:
• Sultan: The Sultan was at the centre of the
sultanate administration. He protected the empire
against external attacks and was responsible for
maintaining law and order. He acted as the
commander-in-chief of the army and the chief
justice of the sultanate.
• Nobles and officials: The sultan was assisted by
nobles and officials. The wazir was the prime
minister. The ariz-i-mamalik was responsible for
the ministry of defence. The diwan-i-insha was
responsible for the records and correspondence of
the royal court.
• Army: The army of the Turks comprised infantry,
cavalry and war elephants. The soldiers used bows
and arrows, spears, swords, battle axes, daggers,
shields and protective headgear. The horseman
and his horse were well-protected by iron covers
and iron shields. Elephants were also used for
quick transportation of armaments and soldiers.
Catapults and such other mechanical devices were
used for hurling big stones on enemies.
• Division of Sultanate: The territories of the
Sultanate were broadly divided into two
parts—the khalsa or land under the direct
administrative control of the centre and the jagirs
which were lands under independent Hindu