CBSE Class 7 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3 Delhi Sultans

Delhi Sultans

During the reigns of the Tomaras and Chauhans, Delhi underwent significant development, emerging as a crucial commercial hub. The city attracted numerous wealthy Jaina merchants who played a pivotal role in its economic prosperity. These merchants contributed to the construction of several temples in Delhi, highlighting the city's religious and cultural significance. Moreover, Delhi became a center for the minting of coins known as "dehliwal," which circulated widely, reflecting the city's economic prominence. The transformation of Delhi into a capital controlling vast territories across the Indian subcontinent commenced with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate at the onset of the 13th century. The Delhi Sultans, who ruled during this period, played a crucial role in shaping the city's landscape and influence. They undertook ambitious projects to fortify and expand Delhi, constructing numerous cities that laid the foundation for the urban sprawl we recognize today as Delhi. These cities served as administrative, military, and cultural centers, consolidating the Sultanate's power and facilitating governance over vast territories. Through their strategic vision and administrative acumen, the Delhi Sultans established Delhi as a formidable capital, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of the Indian subcontinent.

Rulers of Delhi

The rulers of Delhi, particularly during the medieval period, were diverse and included various dynasties that rose and fell over time. Some of the notable dynasties and rulers associated with Delhi are:

Slave Dynasty (1206-1290) : The Slave Dynasty was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave of Muhammad Ghori. He established the Delhi Sultanate after Ghori's death and became the first Sultan of Delhi. Other prominent rulers of the Slave Dynasty include Iltutmish, who consolidated and expanded the empire, and Balban, known for his strong authoritarian rule.

Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320) : The Khilji Dynasty was founded by Jalal-ud-din Khilji, who became the Sultan of Delhi after assassinating the last ruler of the Slave Dynasty. The most famous ruler of this dynasty was Alauddin Khilji, known for his military conquests, administrative reforms, and building projects such as the Alai Darwaza.

Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414) : The Tughlaq Dynasty was founded by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, who ascended the throne after the death of Alauddin Khilji. The dynasty reached its zenith under Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who implemented several ambitious but unsuccessful reforms, including the shifting of the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. Firuz Shah Tughlaq was another notable ruler known for his public works and administrative reforms.

Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451) : The Sayyid Dynasty was founded by Khizr Khan, a former governor under the Tughlaqs. The dynasty's rule was characterized by political instability and the decline of the Delhi Sultanate.

Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526) : The Lodi Dynasty was founded by Bahlul Khan Lodi, who seized power after defeating the last ruler of the Sayyid Dynasty. The most famous ruler of this dynasty was Sikandar Lodi, known for his administrative reforms and patronage of art and literature. The Lodi Dynasty's rule came to an end with the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, marking the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.

Finding Out about the Delhi Sultans

To learn about the Delhi Sultans, we rely on valuable histories called "tarikh" (singular) or "tawarikh" (plural), written in Persian, the language of administration under the Delhi Sultans. These histories were written by learned individuals such as secretaries, administrators, poets, and courtiers. They not only recorded historical events but also provided advice to rulers on governance, emphasizing the importance of just rule.

It's important to note:

Urban Residence : Authors of tawarikh primarily lived in cities, particularly Delhi, and rarely in villages.
Desire for Rewards : They often composed their histories with the hope of receiving rich rewards from the Sultans.
Preservation of Social Order : These authors advocated for maintaining an "ideal" social order based on birthright and gender distinctions, advising rulers on the importance of upholding these principles.

However, not everyone adhered to these ideas. An example is Sultan Iltutmish's daughter, Raziyya, who became Sultan in 1236. Chroniclers of the time, like Minhaj-i Siraj, acknowledged her abilities and qualifications, even stating that she surpassed her brothers. However, there was discomfort among some at the prospect of a female ruler. Raziyya's attempts to rule independently were met with resistance from the nobles, and in 1240, she was removed from the throne. This incident highlights the complexities and challenges faced by rulers, even within their own courts, during the Delhi Sultanate period.

From Garrison Town to Empire: The Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate

In the early 13th century, the control of the Delhi Sultans rarely extended beyond heavily fortified towns occupied by garrisons. These Sultans seldom held sway over the hinterlands surrounding these cities and relied heavily on trade, tribute, or plunder for supplies. It was challenging to administer garrison towns located in distant regions like Bengal and Sind from the central capital of Delhi. Factors such as rebellion, warfare, and adverse weather often disrupted the fragile communication routes, further complicating matters. Delhi's authority faced challenges from Mongol invasions from Afghanistan and rebellious governors who exploited any signs of weakness in the Sultan's rule. Despite these challenges, the Sultanate managed to survive, with consolidation efforts spearheaded by rulers like Ghiyasuddin Balban, followed by further expansion under Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughluq. The first phase of expansion focused on consolidating the hinterlands of the garrison towns, involving campaigns to clear forests in regions like the Ganga-Yamuna doab and displacing hunter-gatherers and pastoralists from their habitats. The lands were then allocated to peasants, and agriculture was encouraged to boost economic stability. To safeguard trade routes, new fortresses, garrison towns, and settlements were established across strategic locations. The second phase of expansion, known as the "external frontier," saw military expeditions into southern India, initiated during the reign of Alauddin Khalji and culminating under Muhammad Tughluq. In these campaigns, the Sultanate armies captured elephants, horses, slaves, and precious metals, significantly augmenting their resources and power. By the end of Muhammad Tughluq's reign, the armies of the Delhi Sultanate had marched across a significant portion of the subcontinent, defeating rival forces and capturing key cities. Throughout this expansion, the Delhi Sultanate maintained its authority by collecting taxes from the peasantry and administering justice within its realm. This period marked a transformative phase in Indian history, as the Delhi Sultanate evolved from a collection of garrison towns to a vast empire that exerted control over a significant portion of the subcontinent.

The Masjid: Symbol of Muslim Worship

A mosque, known as a masjid in Arabic, holds a special place in Islamic worship. It serves as a space where Muslims bow down in reverence to Allah, offering their prayers. In congregational mosques, such as the masjid-i-jami or jama masjid, Muslims gather to perform their prayers together. During these congregational prayers, the congregation selects a respected and learned male as their leader, known as the imam, who guides them through the rituals of prayer and delivers the sermon, called khutba, especially during the Friday prayer. Muslims face the direction of Mecca, known as the qibla, during prayer, which, in the Indian context, is westward. The Delhi Sultans constructed numerous mosques across cities in the Indian subcontinent, demonstrating their commitment to Islam and their role as protectors of Muslims and their faith.

A Closer Look: Administration and Consolidation under the Khaljis and Tughluqs

Consolidating a vast kingdom like the Delhi Sultanate required efficient governance and reliable administrators. Early Delhi Sultans, such as Iltutmish, favored special slaves known as bandagan for administrative roles over aristocrats and landed chieftains. The Khaljis and Tughluqs continued this practice, also elevating individuals of humble birth to high political positions. However, this approach led to political instability, as loyalty often lay with the patron rather than the ruler's successors. This unconventional patronage of humble individuals by the Delhi Sultans drew criticism from the elite authors of Persian tawarikh. To manage the vast territories, military commanders were appointed as governors of iqta, or territories, with duties including leading military campaigns and maintaining law and order. The revenue collected by these governors funded their military and administrative activities. Under rulers like Alauddin Khalji, the state took control of land revenue assessment and collection, challenging the authority of local chieftains and landlords. Various taxes, including those on cultivation, cattle, and houses, were imposed to fund the administration. Despite efforts, large parts of the subcontinent remained outside the Sultanate's control, particularly distant provinces like Bengal and forested areas in the Gangetic plain, where local chieftains established their rule. Mongol invasions posed a significant threat to the Delhi Sultanate, leading rulers like Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughluq to mobilize large armies, though administrative challenges persisted.

The Sultanate in the 15th and 16th Centuries

In the 15th and 16th centuries, dynasties like the Tughluqs, Sayyids, and Lodis ruled from Delhi and Agra. However, various regions across India saw the emergence of independent rulers and flourishing states, including Jaunpur, Bengal, Malwa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and South India. New ruling groups, such as the Afghans and Rajputs, gained prominence during this period. Sher Shah Sur, a notable figure, established his dynasty after defeating the Mughal emperor Humayun. His efficient administration served as a model for later rulers, including the great emperor Akbar, who consolidated the Mughal Empire.

Benefits of CBSE Class 7 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3 Delhi Sultans

Comprehensive Coverage : These notes provide a detailed overview of the Delhi Sultanate, covering various aspects such as administration, society, economy, and culture, helping students gain a thorough understanding of the topic.
Clear Explanation : The notes are written in a simple and easy-to-understand language, making complex historical concepts accessible to students of all levels.
Key Insights : Students can gain valuable insights into the socio-political dynamics of medieval India under the Delhi Sultans, including the administration, religious practices, and economic policies of the time.

CBSE Class 7 Social Science History Notes Chapter 3 FAQs

Who were the Delhi Sultans?

The Delhi Sultans were a series of rulers who governed the Delhi Sultanate, a Muslim kingdom that ruled over parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 13th to the 16th centuries.

What were the major dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate?

The major dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate included the Slave Dynasty, Khilji Dynasty, Tughlaq Dynasty, Sayyid Dynasty, and Lodi Dynasty.

How did the Delhi Sultans consolidate their rule?

The Delhi Sultans consolidated their rule through various means, including the establishment of efficient administrative systems, military campaigns to expand their territories, and the imposition of taxes to fund their administration.

What were iqta and muqtis during the Delhi Sultanate?

Iqta was a system of land revenue assignment, where territories were granted to military commanders known as muqtis. Muqtis were responsible for collecting revenue, maintaining law and order, and leading military campaigns in their assigned territories.

What were the challenges faced by the Delhi Sultanate?

The Delhi Sultanate faced challenges such as Mongol invasions, rebellions by governors and nobles, administrative instability, and difficulties in controlling distant provinces.