Decline of the Delhi Sultanate: Reasons and Emergence of Regional Dynasties

 

Question: Decline of the Delhi Sultanate: Reasons and Emergence of Regional Dynasties

Answer:

The Delhi Sultanate was a Muslim kingdom that ruled northern India from 1206 to 1526 CE. It had five dynasties: Slave (Mamluk), Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi. At its peak under rulers like Alauddin Khilji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq, it covered almost all of India. But by the 15th century, it started declining, leading to its end with Babur's victory at Panipat in 1526. The decline was slow, caused by many reasons like weak rulers, rebellions, economic problems, and invasions. As the central power weakened, regional dynasties emerged in places like Bengal, Gujarat, and the south. These new kingdoms were independent and often stronger than the dying Sultanate. They mixed local cultures with Islamic rule, creating rich traditions in art, language, and administration. The decline of the Sultanate and rise of regions changed India's map, paving the way for the Mughal Empire. In these notes, I will explain the reasons for decline and how regional dynasties came up, in simple words.

Reasons for the Decline of the Delhi Sultanate

The Sultanate's decline started after the Tughlaq dynasty, around the mid-14th century. It wasn't sudden but built up over time. Here are the main reasons.

First, weak and incapable rulers. After strong kings like Balban and Alauddin Khilji, later rulers were often lazy or foolish. For example, Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351) had crazy ideas like moving the capital to Daulatabad, which killed thousands and wasted money. His token currency caused economic chaos. Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388) was kind but too soft, letting nobles gain power. The Sayyid and Lodi rulers were even weaker. Sayyids like Muhammad Shah (1434–1445) couldn't control anything outside Delhi. Ibrahim Lodi (1517–1526) was arrogant, fighting his own Afghan nobles. Weak kings couldn't handle rebellions or invasions, leading to loss of control.

Second, problems with succession. There was no clear rule for who becomes the next king. Brothers and sons fought for the throne, causing civil wars. For example, after Iltutmish's death in 1236, his children killed each other. In the Lodi dynasty, Ibrahim killed his brother Jalal. These fights weakened the army and divided loyalties. Nobles took sides, making the central government unstable.

Third, the role of powerful nobles. The Sultanate depended on Turkish and Afghan nobles who got land (iqtas) for military service. But they became like small kings, collecting taxes and building armies. Groups like the "Chahalgani" (40 nobles) under the Slave dynasty plotted against Sultans. Later, Afghan chiefs under Lodis demanded equality, rebelling if ignored. Ibrahim Lodi's fights with them invited Babur. Nobles often joined enemies or started their own kingdoms.

Fourth, economic troubles. The Sultanate's economy was based on farming taxes. High taxes under rulers like Muhammad bin Tughlaq caused famines and peasant revolts. His Doab tax increase led to empty villages. Wars and bad policies wasted money. Token currency caused inflation. Trade suffered from unsafe roads and robberies. By the 15th century, the treasury was empty, unable to pay soldiers or build forts.

Fifth, military weaknesses. The army was strong at first with Turkish cavalry, but later became divided. Soldiers were from different groups – Turks, Afghans, Indians – with no loyalty. Desertions happened during wars. Mongols attacked repeatedly, draining resources. Timur's invasion in 1398 was devastating; he looted Delhi, killed thousands, and took slaves. This broke the Tughlaq power. Later rulers couldn't maintain a big standing army.

Sixth, religious and social issues. The Sultanate was Muslim-ruled over mostly Hindus. Some rulers like Firuz were tolerant, but others destroyed temples or imposed jizya tax, causing resentment. Rajputs and other Hindus rebelled often. Caste divisions among Hindus and tribal loyalties among Muslims prevented unity. Sufis helped spread Islam peacefully, but forced conversions created hate.

Seventh, external invasions. Mongols raided from the north throughout. Timur's 1398 attack was the biggest blow, destroying Delhi and killing the economy. In the south, new kingdoms like Vijayanagar fought back. In 1526, Babur's invasion ended it all at Panipat.

Eighth, administrative failures. The iqta system gave too much power to governors, who became independent. No good roads or communication meant the Sultan couldn't control far areas. Corruption was common, with officials stealing taxes.

Ninth, cultural and intellectual decline. Early Sultans supported arts, but later ones didn't. Wars destroyed cities and libraries. People focused on survival, not learning.

Tenth, rise of regional powers. As central power weakened, local governors declared independence. This was the final nail.

These reasons together caused the decline. From a powerful empire, the Sultanate shrank to just Delhi by 1526.

Emergence of Regional Dynasties

As the Delhi Sultanate declined, many regional dynasties emerged between the 14th and 16th centuries. These were independent kingdoms started by former governors, rebels, or local kings. They filled the power vacuum and created new cultures. Here are the main ones and how they rose.

First, in the south: Vijayanagar Empire (1336–1646). It started in 1336 when Harihara and Bukka, two brothers, rebelled against Muhammad bin Tughlaq's rule. They were captured earlier but converted to Islam, then sent back as governors. But they returned to Hinduism under a sage's influence and founded Vijayanagar in Karnataka. The empire protected Hindu culture from Muslim invasions. Kings like Krishnadeva Raya (1509–1529) made it rich with trade, temples, and armies. It fought the Bahmani kingdom and later its successors. Vijayanagar became a center of art, literature in Telugu and Kannada, and grand buildings like Hampi. It emerged because Tughlaq's harsh taxes and capital shift caused southern revolts.

Second, Bahmani Kingdom (1347–1527) in Deccan. It started when Hasan Gangu, a governor under Muhammad bin Tughlaq, rebelled in 1347. He took the name Ala-ud-din Bahman Shah and founded the kingdom in Gulbarga (later Bidar). Bahmanis were Shia Muslims and fought Vijayanagar for control of fertile lands. They promoted Persian culture, built forts, and had a strong army with gunpowder. The kingdom split into five Deccan Sultanates: Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Berar, and Bidar. It rose due to Tughlaq's weakness in controlling distant areas.

Third, Bengal Sultanate (1338–1576). Bengal became independent under Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah in 1338 during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's rule. Later, Ilyas Shah (1342–1358) united it. Bengal was rich from trade in rice, textiles, and spices. Kings like Ghiyas-ud-din Azam Shah promoted culture, building mosques and supporting poets. It mixed Hindu and Muslim styles, creating Bengali language growth. Sultans traded with China and Arabia. It emerged because Bengal was far from Delhi, with its own economy and floods making control hard.

Fourth, Jaunpur Sultanate (1394–1479) in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Founded by Malik Sarwar, a eunuch governor under Firuz Shah Tughlaq, who declared independence after Timur's invasion. Known as "Sharqi" kings, they built beautiful mosques in Jaunpur, called "Shiraz of the East." Ibrahim Sharqi (1402–1440) expanded it and supported arts. It fought Delhi often. It rose from Tughlaq chaos and local support.

Fifth, Gujarat Sultanate (1407–1573). Ahmad Shah I, a governor, became independent in 1407 after Timur's attack. Gujarat was a trade hub with ports like Cambay. Kings built Ahmadabad city and grand structures like Jama Masjid. They traded with Africa, Arabia, and Europe. Zafar Khan (Muzaffar Shah) started it. It emerged from rich trade and distance from Delhi.

Sixth, Malwa Sultanate (1392–1562) in Madhya Pradesh. Dilawar Khan Ghuri, a governor, declared independence in 1392. Capital at Mandu, known for forts and lakes. Hoshang Shah (1406–1435) built beautiful buildings. It fought neighbors like Gujarat. Culture mixed Persian and Indian. Rose from central location and Tughlaq weakness.

Seventh, Khandesh Sultanate (1382–1601) in Maharashtra. Malik Raja Faruqi started it in 1382. Small but strategic, with Burhanpur as capital. It paid tribute to bigger kingdoms. Emerged from Deccan revolts.

Eighth, Rajput kingdoms like Mewar under Rana Kumbha (1433–1468). They regained strength as Sultanate weakened, building forts like Kumbhalgarh.

Ninth, Northeast: Ahom kingdom in Assam (1228–1826) resisted Sultanate attacks.

These dynasties emerged because:

1. Weak central rule: Delhi couldn't control far areas after Timur's 1398 invasion, which killed many and looted wealth.
2. Rebellions: High taxes and bad policies under Tughlaqs caused governors to rebel.
3. Local pride: Hindus in south and Rajputs wanted freedom from Muslim rule.
4. Economic strength: Regions like Bengal and Gujarat had their own trade, making independence possible.
5. Military: Local armies grew strong with gunpowder and elephants.

These kingdoms brought new cultures. Vijayanagar saved Hindu traditions with temples and epics. Bahmani had Persian art and Deccani Urdu. Bengal developed Vaishnava bhakti and literature. They fought each other but enriched India with diversity. The Sultanate's decline allowed this "regional renaissance," leading to Mughal unification later.

Mohammad Lodi

Question: Mohammad Lodi. Download Audio file of Mohammad Lodi

Answer:

Mohammad Lodi, often referred to as Mahmud Lodi in historical texts (with "Mohammad" likely a variant or misTranscription), was a key figure in the final days of the Delhi Sultanate. He was the younger brother of Sultan Ibrahim Lodi, the last Lodi ruler. Born around 1490 CE in an Afghan family, Mahmud belonged to the Lodi dynasty, which ruled from 1451 to 1526. The Lodis were Pashtun (Afghan) nobles who took power after the Sayyid dynasty. Mahmud's life was marked by political turmoil, resistance against the Mughals, and attempts to revive Afghan rule after the Sultanate's fall. He is remembered for his role in the Battle of Ghaghra (1529), where he fought Babur, the Mughal founder. Mahmud's story shows the Afghan nobles' struggle to hold on to power as the Sultanate collapsed. He died around 1545, ending the Lodi line's hopes. Though not a Sultan himself, he was proclaimed one by supporters, making him a symbol of Afghan pride and resistance.

Early Life and Family

Mahmud Lodi was born in Delhi or Agra during Sikandar Lodi's reign (1489–1517), his father. Sikandar was a strong king who expanded the Sultanate to Bihar and Bengal, promoted trade, and built cities. Mahmud had brothers like Ibrahim, who became Sultan in 1517. The family was Pashtun, known for warrior traditions. Mahmud grew up in the royal court, learning horse-riding, archery, and administration. Afghans valued tribal loyalty, so Mahmud was raised to see nobles as equals, not servants.

When Ibrahim took the throne, Mahmud supported him but saw his brother's mistakes. Ibrahim was arrogant, alienating Afghan chiefs by treating them badly. This caused rebellions. Mahmud stayed loyal but couldn't stop the growing discontent. In 1526, Babur invaded and defeated Ibrahim at the First Battle of Panipat. Ibrahim died in battle, and the Lodi rule ended. Babur founded the Mughal Empire, capturing Delhi and Agra.

Mahmud escaped the battle and went to Bihar, where many Afghan nobles were strong. He gathered supporters who hated the Mughals. They proclaimed him Sultan Mahmud Shah Lodi in 1528, hoping to revive the dynasty. This was not official, as Mughals controlled Delhi, but it showed Afghan unity against foreign invaders (Babur was from Central Asia).

Role in Resistance Against Mughals

Mahmud's main achievement was leading the Afghan resistance. After Panipat, Afghans were scattered but still powerful in eastern areas like Bihar and Bengal. Mahmud allied with Nusrat Shah, the Sultan of Bengal, who gave him troops and money. In 1529, they formed a big army to fight Babur.

The key battle was the Battle of Ghaghra (also called Battle of Gogara) in May 1529 near the Ghaghra River in Bihar. Babur had 20,000 men with cannons, while Mahmud and Nusrat had over 100,000 soldiers and many war elephants. Babur used smart tactics, crossing the river at night and attacking from sides. His guns scared the elephants, which trampled their own army. Mahmud fought bravely but lost. Many Afghans died, and Mahmud fled to Bengal.

This defeat ended major Afghan hopes. Babur made peace with Nusrat Shah, who betrayed Mahmud by not helping more. Mahmud wandered as a fugitive, trying small rebellions. In 1530–1531, he joined Sher Khan (later Sher Shah Suri) in Bihar, but Sher Khan rose as the new Afghan leader. Mahmud lived in exile, possibly in Bengal or Bihar, and died around 1545 from illness or in a minor fight.

Legacy and Impact

Mahmud Lodi's legacy is as a symbol of Afghan resistance. He couldn't revive the Sultanate, but his efforts inspired later leaders like Sher Shah Suri, who defeated Mughals in 1540 and started the Sur dynasty. Mahmud showed the Lodis' fighting spirit, even in defeat. Historians like Babur (in Baburnama) called him brave but unlucky. In Afghan folklore, he is a hero against invaders.

His life highlights the Sultanate's decline. Internal fights among Afghans helped Mughals win. Mahmud's failure also showed the rise of new powers like Sher Khan. Today, he is mentioned in history books as the last Lodi claimant, marking the end of an era before Mughal dominance.

Ibrahim Lodi

 

Question : Ibrahim Lodi 

Download Audio file of Ibrahim Lodi 

Ibrahim Lodi was the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate from the Lodi dynasty. He reigned from 1517 to 1526 CE and was known for his strict and arrogant rule, which led to his downfall. Born around 1480 CE, Ibrahim was the youngest son of Sikandar Lodi, a capable Afghan king who expanded the kingdom. The Lodi dynasty (1451–1526) was the last before the Mughals, and Ibrahim's mistakes invited Babur's invasion, ending 320 years of Sultanate rule. He was brave in battle but a poor leader who alienated nobles and people. His death at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 marked the start of Mughal empire in India. Ibrahim's story shows how internal fights can destroy a kingdom.

Ibrahim grew up in the royal court in Agra, the capital his father Sikandar moved from Delhi. Sikandar ruled wisely from 1489 to 1517, conquering Bihar and Bengal, promoting trade, and being fair to Hindus. Ibrahim learned military skills and administration but was hot-tempered. When Sikandar died in 1517, nobles chose Ibrahim as Sultan, but his elder brother Jalal Khan also claimed the throne. Ibrahim divided the kingdom, giving Jalal Jaunpur, but soon fought and killed him in 1518. This started his rule with blood, making enemies among Afghans.

As Sultan, Ibrahim wanted total power. He believed kings were divine and nobles should obey without question. He said, "Kingship knows no kinship," meaning family ties don't matter in rule. He removed old nobles loyal to his father and replaced them with his friends. Many Afghan chiefs, who saw themselves as equals, rebelled. For example, in 1518, nobles in Bihar revolted under Darya Khan. Ibrahim crushed it but killed many, causing more hate.

Ibrahim's policies were harsh. He increased taxes on farmers, leading to poverty. He favored some groups over others, dividing the army. The Lodi kingdom covered northern India from Punjab to Bihar, but rebellions weakened it. In Rajasthan, Rana Sanga of Mewar grew strong and attacked Ibrahim's areas. In the east, Bengal became semi-independent.

Despite problems, Ibrahim had some successes. He was a good fighter and won against rebels in Gwalior and Dholpur. He promoted culture, building mosques and supporting poets. He was religious, following Sunni Islam strictly. But he was intolerant sometimes, destroying Hindu temples during wars.

The biggest mistake was ignoring threats from outside. In Afghanistan, Babur, a Timurid prince, was building power. Ibrahim's uncle Alam Khan and noble Daulat Khan invited Babur to attack, hoping to replace Ibrahim. In 1524, Babur captured Lahore, but Ibrahim pushed him back temporarily.

In 1526, Babur invaded again with 12,000 men. Ibrahim had a huge army of 100,000 but poor leadership. At the Battle of Panipat on April 21, 1526, Babur used new tactics like cannons and tulughma (flanking). Ibrahim fought bravely but was killed, his army defeated. His body was found among thousands of dead.

Ibrahim's death ended the Lodi dynasty and Sultanate. He was about 46. His tomb is in Panipat. Legacy: He is seen as a tyrant whose pride caused the fall. But some say he tried to centralize power like earlier Sultans. His rule showed Afghan disunity, helping Mughals win. Today, he is remembered as the last Sultan before Mughal glory.

The Sayyid Dynasty

 

Question : The Sayyid Dynasty

The Sayyid dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1414 to 1451 CE, a short period of about 37 years. It was the fourth dynasty after the Slave, Khilji, and Tughlaq dynasties. The Sayyids claimed to be descendants of Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima, which is why they called themselves "Sayyid," meaning "lord" or "descendant of the Prophet." This claim gave them religious respect but didn't make them strong rulers. The dynasty had four kings: Khizr Khan (1414–1421), Mubarak Shah (1421–1434), Muhammad Shah (1434–1445), and Alam Shah (1445–1451). It came to power after the Tughlaq dynasty weakened due to Timur's invasion in 1398, which destroyed Delhi and caused chaos. The Sayyids ruled a small area around Delhi and Punjab, as the Sultanate had broken into many independent kingdoms like Bengal, Gujarat, Malwa, and Jaunpur. Their rule was like a shadow of the past glory, full of struggles against rebels and neighbors.

The founder, Khizr Khan, was not a real king at first. He was a governor under the Tughlaqs and later served Timur, the Mongol invader. Timur appointed him as viceroy of Multan, Lahore, and Dipalpur before leaving India. In 1414, Khizr Khan captured Delhi from the last Tughlaq ruler, Daulat Khan Lodi. He didn't call himself Sultan; instead, he ruled in the name of Timur's son Shah Rukh, using titles like "Rayat-i-Ala" (exalted banner). This showed he was weak and needed Timur's name for legitimacy. Khizr focused on stabilizing the small kingdom. He fought rebels in Doab (area between Ganga and Yamuna) and suppressed Rajput chiefs. He made peace with neighbors like Malwa and Gujarat. Khizr was kind and just, reducing taxes and helping farmers. He died in 1421 after a simple rule.

His son Mubarak Shah took over and was the first to call himself Sultan. He ruled for 13 years and tried to expand. He attacked Jaunpur in the east but failed. He crushed rebellions in Punjab and Doab, killing many troublemakers. Mubarak built a new city called Mubarakabad near Delhi. He was tolerant, employing Hindus in his court. But he faced plots from nobles and was assassinated in 1434 by his minister Sarwar-ul-Mulk.

Next was Muhammad Shah, Mubarak's nephew. He was weak and pleasure-loving. His rule saw more losses. Provinces like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh rebelled. The powerful noble Bahlol Lodi became stronger in Punjab. Muhammad tried to fight but failed. He called himself "the generous" but couldn't control the kingdom. He died in 1445.

The last ruler, Alam Shah, was even weaker. He ruled from Delhi but spent time in Badaun, leaving Delhi to ministers. In 1451, Bahlol Lodi, his governor, took Delhi peacefully. Alam retired to Badaun and died in 1453.

The Sayyid dynasty was weak because of several reasons. First, they had no strong army or money after Timur's loot. Second, they faced constant rebellions from Rajputs, Afghans, and local chiefs. Third, the claim of being Sayyids didn't help much in politics. Fourth, the rulers were old or inexperienced. They lost control over most areas, and the Sultanate shrank to just around Delhi.

But they had some good points. They were tolerant and promoted culture. Khizr and Mubarak supported scholars and built mosques. They reduced taxes and helped during famines. Trade continued, and Delhi slowly recovered from Timur's destruction.

The Sayyid dynasty ended the Turkish dominance and paved the way for Afghan rule under the Lodis. It was a transition period, showing the Sultanate's decline before the Mughals came in 1526. Historians see it as a time of weakness but also of some peace in a small area.

Firuz Shah Tughlaq 1351 to 1388 CE

 

Firuz Shah Tughlaq 1351 to 1388 CE:

Firuz Shah Tughlaq was one of the most famous rulers of the Delhi Sultanate in India. He ruled from 1351 to 1388 CE, making his reign one of the longest in the Sultanate's history. He was part of the Tughlaq dynasty, which his uncle Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq started in 1320. Firuz Shah came to power after the death of his cousin Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who was known for his failed experiments. Unlike Muhammad, Firuz was kind, religious, and focused on making people happy. He is remembered as a builder king who made many canals, forts, and cities. He loved helping the poor, promoting Islam gently, and fixing the damage from previous rulers. Born around 1309 CE, Firuz lived to about 79 years old. His rule brought peace after years of chaos, but he couldn't stop the Sultanate from slowly weakening. Rebels in some areas broke away, and after his death, the dynasty ended soon. Firuz's story shows how a good-hearted king can bring stability but not always strength. In these notes, I will explain his life, reforms, buildings, and legacy in simple words. He ruled during a time when the Delhi Sultanate controlled northern India, but the south had become independent with new kingdoms like Vijayanagar and Bahmani.

Early Life and Background

Firuz Shah Tughlaq was born in Delhi around 1309 CE. His full name was Sultan Firuz Shah, but he was originally called Jalal-ud-din Firuz. He came from a Turkish family that had settled in India. His father was Rajab, the younger brother of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the dynasty. Rajab died when Firuz was young, so Ghiyas-ud-din raised him like a son. Firuz grew up in the royal court, learning about ruling, fighting, and religion.

As a boy, Firuz was quiet and religious. He loved reading the Quran and listening to Sufi saints. Unlike his cousin Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who was bold and experimental, Firuz was calm and traditional. He joined the army early and fought in battles against rebels and Mongols. Under Ghiyas-ud-din (1320–1325), Firuz served as a prince and learned administration. When Muhammad became Sultan in 1325, Firuz stayed loyal as a governor. Muhammad trusted him and sent him on important tasks, like collecting taxes and leading small campaigns.

The Delhi Sultanate at that time was big but troubled. Muhammad's ideas, like moving the capital to Daulatabad and making token money, caused famines, rebellions, and empty treasury. People were unhappy, and parts of the empire like Bengal and the south broke away. Firuz saw all this and learned that harsh rules don't work. He believed in kindness and following Islamic laws properly.

In 1351, Muhammad died suddenly while on a campaign in Sindh. He had no sons, so the army and nobles chose Firuz as the new Sultan. Firuz was about 42 years old. He didn't want the throne at first and tried to give it to Muhammad's relatives, but they refused. He accepted and marched back to Delhi. On the way, he showed his style by being generous – he freed prisoners, gave money to the poor, and prayed at saints' tombs. This made people like him right away.

Firuz's early life shaped him into a pious ruler. He hated cruelty and wanted to follow the Sharia (Islamic law) in a gentle way. He also loved hunting and gardens, which influenced his later buildings.

Rise to Power and Initial Policies

Firuz became Sultan in March 1351 in Sindh, but his official coronation was in Delhi later that year. The kingdom was in a mess after Muhammad's death. Rebellions were everywhere, the army was tired, and the treasury was empty. Firuz started by fixing these problems. He forgave old taxes that people couldn't pay, which made farmers happy. He reduced punishments and stopped torture methods used before. He said, "I want to rule with mercy, not fear."

To control the nobles, Firuz gave them lands (iqtas) but watched them closely. He didn't kill rivals like previous kings; instead, he made them loyal with gifts. He also paid the army on time to keep them happy. In the first years, he faced threats from Mongols in the north, but he built forts and made peace treaties.

Firuz was very religious. He followed Sunni Islam and consulted ulema (scholars) for decisions. He banned un-Islamic things like painting living beings and made sure mosques were built. But he was tolerant – he didn't force Hindus to convert and even abolished some taxes on them. He respected Sufis and visited their shrines.

His initial policies brought peace. Trade improved, and people felt safe. But Firuz was old-fashioned; he didn't try big conquests like Muhammad. He focused on welfare and building.

Reforms in Administration and Economy

Firuz Shah made many reforms to make the government better. He wanted a fair system based on Islam.

In administration, he created new departments. The Diwan-i-Khairat helped orphans and widows with money. The Diwan-i-Bandagan managed slaves – Firuz had over 180,000 slaves whom he treated well, giving them jobs in farms and workshops. He set up a hospital (Dar-ul-Shifa) in Delhi for free treatment. He also made a job office to help unemployed people find work.

For economy, Firuz reduced taxes. Under Muhammad, taxes were high, causing rebellions. Firuz fixed land tax at 1/10 to 1/5 of the crop, based on Islamic rules. He abolished 24 unfair taxes, like on markets and houses. This helped farmers grow more. He encouraged agriculture by building canals. The most famous are the Yamuna Canal (1355) from Yamuna River to Hissar, about 150 miles long, and the Sutlej Canal. These brought water to dry lands, increasing farms and food. He planted gardens with fruits from abroad.

Firuz improved money system. He made new coins like the silver adha and copper jitals, which were stable. Trade grew because roads were safe and taxes low. He built rest houses (sarais) for travelers.

In law, Firuz followed Sharia strictly but kindly. He banned torture and made punishments fit the crime. He helped slaves become free if they converted to Islam or worked hard.

These reforms made life better for many. The kingdom became prosperous, with no big famines. But some say he favored Muslims too much, like giving them more jobs.

Military Campaigns and Defense

Firuz was not a big conqueror like Alauddin Khalji. He focused on defense and small wars. The Sultanate had lost areas under Muhammad, like Bengal and the south.

In 1353–1354, Firuz attacked Bengal, which had become independent. He defeated Sultan Shams-ud-din Ilyas Shah and made him pay tribute. But in 1359, when Bengal rebelled again, Firuz went back but couldn't fully win. He made peace and returned.

In 1360, he campaigned in Sindh against the Sumra tribe, who were rebelling. He won after hard fights in deserts. In 1362, he attacked Nagarkot (Kangra) in the hills, capturing the fort and taking tribute from Hindu kings. He also raided Odisha in 1360–1361, destroying the Jagannath temple in Puri but not occupying the land.

Firuz's biggest military work was against rebels inside. He crushed uprisings in Gujarat, Thatta, and Doab with his army. He built forts like Hissar, Firozabad (Jaunpur), and Firozpur to guard borders.

He defended against Mongols by strengthening northwest forts. His army had about 90,000 cavalry and many foot soldiers. He treated soldiers well, giving them lands and pay.

Firuz avoided big expansions because he hated war's destruction. He said, "Conquest brings suffering." His campaigns brought some wealth but didn't grow the empire much. This peace helped culture and building.

Buildings and Cultural Contributions

Firuz Shah was a great builder. He made more public works than any other Sultan. His projects helped people and showed his love for architecture.

He founded new cities: Firozabad (now Firoz Shah Kotla in Delhi), Hissar, Jaunpur, and Fatehabad. Firoz Shah Kotla had palaces, mosques, and a big pillar (Ashoka's pillar) he brought from Topra. It's now a cricket stadium site.

Firuz built over 300 villages and many gardens. He repaired old buildings like the Qutub Minar and Hauz Khas tank. He made madrasas (schools) like the one in Hauz Khas, where scholars taught for free.

His canals were engineering wonders. The longest was 150 miles from Yamuna to Sutlej, irrigating dry lands. He built over 50 dams and 150 wells.

In culture, Firuz supported arts. He wrote a book "Futuh-at-i-Firuz Shahi" about his rule. He invited poets and musicians. He translated Sanskrit books on math and medicine into Persian. He was fond of history and saved old pillars by moving them to Delhi.

Firuz promoted Islam by building 300 mosques and helping pilgrims to Mecca. But he destroyed some Hindu temples during wars, though not as much as others.

His buildings used simple style with slopes and thick walls, different from fancy Khalji designs. Many survive today, showing his legacy.

Social and Religious Policies

Firuz was kind to people. He banned slavery for war captives if they converted to Islam. He helped widows marry and gave dowry. He set up employment bureaus for jobs.

Religiously, he was orthodox Sunni. He followed ulema advice and banned un-Islamic things like music in court (but allowed private). He imposed jizya tax on Hindus strictly, but waived it for Brahmins later. He didn't force conversions but encouraged them with rewards.

For Hindus, he was mixed. He let them build temples but destroyed some in wars. He employed Hindus in government, showing tolerance.

Firuz helped during disasters. He gave food in famines and loans to farmers. His rule had no major wars inside, so people lived in peace.

But critics say he was too soft on nobles, letting them gain power. He also favored slaves, creating a big slave class.

Death and Legacy

Firuz Shah died on September 20, 1388, at age 79 in Jaunpur. He was ill for some time. His death caused fights among his family. His grandson Tughlaq Shah became Sultan but was killed soon. The dynasty weakened, leading to invasions like Timur's in 1398, which destroyed Delhi.

Firuz's legacy is positive. He brought peace after Muhammad's chaos. His buildings and canals still help people. He is called "the people's king" for his welfare work. Historians like Shams-i-Siraj Afif praised him in "Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi."

But he couldn't stop the Sultanate's decline. He didn't conquer lost areas, and his soft policies let provinces break away. After him, the Tughlaqs ruled weakly until 1414.

Firuz Shah Tughlaq was a builder, reformer, and kind ruler who fixed a broken kingdom. His long reign shows how mercy can work better than force sometimes. Today, places like Firoz Shah Kotla remind us of him.

Muhammad bin Tughlaq

 

Muhammad bin Tughlaq: Notes with Focus on Unsuccessful Ventures

Muhammad bin Tughlaq was a famous ruler of the Delhi Sultanate who ruled from 1325 to 1351. He was the son of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. Born around 1290, Muhammad was very smart and well-educated. He knew many languages like Arabic, Persian, and even some Indian ones. He loved reading books on science, math, religion, and how to rule a kingdom. People called him a genius because he had big ideas to make his empire better. At one point, his kingdom was the biggest in India, stretching from the north to the south. He wanted to be a fair and strong king, like the old Persian rulers. But many of his plans failed badly, causing rebellions, deaths, and loss of money. Historians say he was full of contradictions – sometimes kind, sometimes cruel. He was a strict Muslim but tolerant of Hindus. His reign started well with conquests and wealth, but his experiments made him unpopular. He died in 1351 while on a campaign, leaving the kingdom weaker. In these notes, I will highlight his main unsuccessful things, as they show why his rule is remembered more for failures than successes. These include the Qarachil Expedition, increasing taxes in the Doab area, shifting the capital, token currency, taccavi loans, and his last unsuccessful expedition where he fell ill with bubonic plague.

1. Qarachil Expedition: A Disastrous Mountain Campaign

One of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's biggest failures was the Qarachil Expedition in 1333. Qarachil was a hilly area in the Himalayas, probably in the Kumaon region of modern Uttarakhand or the Kullu-Kangra area in Himachal Pradesh. Muhammad wanted to conquer it for a few reasons. First, he thought it would help control trade routes for horses coming from Central Asia. Second, there were rumors of Chinese attacks or influence in those hills, so he wanted to stop that. Third, he dreamed of expanding his empire to far places, like the old kings.

Muhammad sent a huge army of about 100,000 soldiers to attack. The soldiers were excited at first because he promised them good pay and loot. But the expedition turned into a nightmare. The hills were steep and full of forests. The paths were narrow, and heavy rains made them slippery. The army got stuck in bad weather – cold, fog, and storms. Local tribes fought back with arrows and traps. Many soldiers fell into rivers or got lost. Then, diseases spread in the camp. Some historians say a plague-like illness killed thousands.

The army couldn't win any big battles. Most soldiers died from hunger, cold, or fighting. Only a few came back to Delhi. It was a total loss – no land gained, and the treasury spent a lot on supplies and pay. People in Delhi heard horror stories from survivors, making them angry at the Sultan. This failure showed Muhammad's poor planning. He didn't know the area well and ignored warnings about the tough terrain. It weakened his army and made nobles doubt his decisions. The Qarachil Expedition is often called one of his "mad schemes" because it cost so many lives for nothing.

After this, Muhammad tried to hide the failure by punishing officers, but it hurt his reputation. It also encouraged rebellions in other parts because the army was smaller now. This expedition highlights how his ambition led to disaster without good advice or preparation.

2. Increasing Taxes in the Doab Area: Leading to Famine and Revolt

Another major failure was Muhammad's decision to increase taxes in the Doab region around 1334-1335. The Doab is the fertile land between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, in modern Uttar Pradesh. It was the heart of the Sultanate, producing a lot of food like wheat and rice. Muhammad needed more money for his big army and other plans, like paying soldiers and building things.

He raised the land tax to 50% of the crop, which was double the usual rate. He also added new taxes, like on houses and cattle grazing. Farmers had to pay in cash, not in grains, which was hard because money was scarce in villages. To collect these taxes, he sent strict officers who measured land and punished anyone who didn't pay. But at the same time, there was a bad famine in Doab due to no rain. Crops failed, and people starved.

Instead of helping, Muhammad's officers forced farmers to pay anyway. Many farmers left their lands and ran to forests or other places. Villages became empty, and food production dropped more. This caused even bigger hunger. Angry farmers rebelled, attacking tax collectors. Muhammad sent his army to crush them. Soldiers burned villages, killed people, and took their animals. It was very cruel – some areas turned into deserts.

The tax increase failed completely. Instead of more money, the treasury got less because farms were abandoned. The famine killed thousands, and rebellions spread to other parts like Gujarat and Bengal. Muhammad later realized his mistake. He reduced taxes and gave some help, like digging wells for water. But the damage was done. People called him a tyrant for this. Historians say this policy showed his lack of understanding of farming and weather. He ignored warnings from advisors and focused only on quick money. The Doab took years to recover, and it weakened the Sultanate's economy.

This failure also made Muhammad paranoid. He thought everyone was against him, so he increased spies and punishments. It was a turning point where his rule started falling apart.

3. Shifting of Capital: From Delhi to Daulatabad

Muhammad's most famous failure was shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in 1327. Daulatabad, earlier called Devagiri, was in Maharashtra, about 1500 km south of Delhi. Muhammad had many reasons for this. Delhi was too close to Mongol attacks from the north. Daulatabad was in the center of his big empire, easier to control the south where he had conquered new lands. It was a strong fort on a hill, safe from enemies. He also wanted to make the kingdom more united by mixing people from north and south.

But the way he did it was wrong. He ordered everyone in Delhi – rich, poor, officials, traders, even sick people and scholars – to move to Daulatabad. The whole city had to pack up and go. He provided carts, food, and guards, but the journey was terrible. It took months through hot plains, forests, and rivers. Many died from heat, diseases like malaria, snake bites, and hunger. Old people and children suffered the most. Delhi became a ghost town, with empty houses and markets.

In Daulatabad, there weren't enough homes, water, or food for so many new people. The climate was different – hotter and drier. People from north missed their homes and families. Scholars and artists complained because the new place had no big libraries or mosques like Delhi. After two years, rebellions started because people hated the move. Muhammad saw the mistake and allowed some to return in 1329, but many had already died.

This shift cost a lot of money – for travel, building new palaces, and lost trade in Delhi. It weakened the army because soldiers were busy moving instead of fighting. Mongols attacked the empty north borders. The policy failed to unite the empire; instead, it caused hate against the Sultan. Historians say Muhammad didn't think about people's feelings or practical issues like water supply. He forced it too fast without testing. This "mad scheme" made him look cruel and foolish, losing support from nobles and common folk.

4. Token Currency: A Failed Money Experiment

In 1329, Muhammad introduced token currency, another big failure. He wanted to save gold and silver, which were scarce, by making cheap copper coins equal to silver ones. He got the idea from China, where paper money worked. The new coins looked like silver tankas but were made of brass or copper. People could exchange them at the same value.

At first, it seemed good. The government minted lots of coins, and trade might increase with more money. But soon, problems came. People started making fake coins at home because copper was easy to get and copy. Forgers became rich, and real money lost value. Prices of everything shot up – inflation happened. Traders refused the new coins, and economy stopped. Farmers couldn't sell crops, and soldiers' pay became worthless.

Muhammad tried to fix it by punishing forgers – he executed many – but it was too late. In 1333, he stopped the system and asked people to exchange fake coins for real ones. The treasury lost huge amounts buying back fakes. Piles of useless coins were left outside the fort.

This failure emptied the treasury and caused economic chaos. People suffered from high prices and lost trust in the Sultan. It showed Muhammad's haste – he didn't make coins hard to copy or explain it well. Historians call it a "disastrous experiment" that weakened the kingdom.

5. Taccavi Loans: Agricultural Reforms That Didn't Work

Muhammad tried to improve farming with taccavi loans around 1330-1332. Taccavi means advance loans given to farmers for seeds, tools, or digging wells. He created a new department called Diwan-i-Kohi (agriculture office) with 100 officials. The goal was to grow more food, especially in empty lands around Delhi. He chose 100 villages and gave loans to poor farmers to plant better crops like wheat, grapes, and sugarcane. He spent about 70 lakh tankas on this.

The idea was good – help farmers during bad times and increase taxes later. But it failed for many reasons. First, corruption: Officials stole the money instead of giving it to farmers. Second, wrong land choice: Some areas had bad soil or no water. Third, no training: Farmers didn't know new methods. Fourth, monsoon failure: Rains didn't come, so crops died. Fifth, force: Officials made farmers take loans and work, causing resentment.

After three years, the scheme collapsed. Most loans weren't repaid, and lands stayed barren. Muhammad punished officials, but the money was lost. This failure added to economic problems, as the treasury suffered again. It showed his lack of practical knowledge about farming and poor management. Taccavi loans became another example of his failed dreams.

6. Unsuccessful Expedition and Death from Bubonic Plague

Muhammad's last big failure was the expedition to Sindh in 1351, where he fell ill and died from what many believe was bubonic plague. By 1350, the kingdom was full of rebellions. In Sindh (modern Pakistan), local chiefs and tribes like the Sumras and Jats revolted against high taxes and harsh rule. Muhammad, now old and sick, decided to lead the army himself to crush them. He marched from Delhi to Thatta near the Indus River with a large force.

The expedition was unsuccessful from the start. The desert heat and lack of water tired the soldiers. Rebels used guerrilla tactics, attacking supplies and running away. Then, a deadly disease broke out in the camp. Historians like Ibn Battuta, who was with Muhammad earlier, described it as plague. Symptoms included fever, swellings, and quick death. It was likely bubonic plague, spread by fleas from rats. The plague killed many soldiers and officers. Muhammad himself got sick with high fever.

He retreated but died on March 20, 1351, near Thatta at age 61. His body was taken back to Delhi for burial. The expedition failed to stop the rebellion; Sindh became independent soon after. This last failure showed how weak the Sultanate had become. The plague outbreak was a final blow, killing thousands and ending his rule tragically.

The disease might have come from Central Asia or local areas, as plagues were common then. Some sources say it started in Bidar during a southern trip, but the Sindh expedition is where it killed him. This event marked the end of his ambitious but troubled reign.

Overall Impact of These Failures

Muhammad bin Tughlaq's unsuccessful ventures damaged the Delhi Sultanate badly. The Qarachil Expedition lost a whole army, weakening defense. Tax increases in Doab caused famines and empty villages, hurting food supply. Shifting the capital killed thousands and wasted money, making people hate him. Token currency ruined the economy with fake money and inflation. Taccavi loans failed due to corruption, losing more treasury funds. His last expedition and plague death led to chaos, with many parts of the empire breaking away.

These failures caused over 20 rebellions. The south formed new kingdoms like Vijayanagar and Bahmani. The Sultanate shrank, and people suffered poverty and death. Muhammad's good ideas – like unity, better money, and farming help – failed because of poor planning, no advice, and force. He was too impatient and ignored reality.

After his death, his cousin Firuz Shah Tughlaq became Sultan and fixed some problems by being kinder. Muhammad is remembered as a tragic figure – smart but flawed. His story teaches that leaders need patience and people's support. Despite failures, he made the Sultanate culturally rich with scholars and buildings. Today, he is a lesson in history books about ambition gone wrong.