Delhi Sultanate Rulers List, Dynasty Wise Timeline, Important Rulers

Delhi Sultanate Rulers List: The rulers of the Delhi Sultanate were members of five principal dynasties that held power from 1206 to 1526 CE. The Mamluk dynasty was established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and its important rulers included Iltutmish, Razia Sultana, and Ghiyasuddin Balban. This was followed by the Khilji dynasty, with notable rulers like Jalal-ud-din Firoz Khilji and Alauddin Khilji, both of whom were known for their military prowess and a series of administrative reforms.

The Tughlaq dynasty included some of the most famous rulers, including Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, and Firoz Shah Tughlaq, all of whom brought ambitious programs and policies to the throne. The Sayyid dynasty ruled quite briefly, and its most well-known rulers were Khizr Khan and Ala-ud-din Alam Shah. The last dynasty, the Lodi dynasty, was established by Bahlul Lodi, and ended with the defeat Ibrahim Lodi with Babur in 1526 at the First Battle of Panipat, which ended the Delhi Sultanate, and formally started the Mughal Empire.

Delhi Sultanate Rulers List 

From 1206 to 1526, northern India was ruled by the Delhi Sultanate rulers, which established one of the most formidable Islamic empires of the medieval era. Below is the complete list of rulers from the five key dynasties that shaped the political and cultural landscape of Delhi.

Delhi Sultanate Timeline

The Delhi Sultanate was ruled by 5 central dynasties throughout its 320 year period, which promoted political and cultural development in northern India. The chronology of the dynasties is provided below.

Delhi Sultanate Rulers Dynasty Wise

From 1206 to 1526, the Delhi Sultanate was governed by a succession of five principal ruling dynasties which each in their own ways contributed to the political, cultural and administrative milieu of northern India. 

The dynasties, the Mamluk (Slave), Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi, produced memorable rulers each of whom played a role in creating the history of the sultanate. 

Mamluk Dynasty (1206–1290)

The Mamluk Dynasty also referred to as the Slave Dynasty, was the first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. The Mamluk dynasty was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak who had been a slave and military general under Muhammad of Ghor. 

Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320)

Khilji Dynasty succeeded the Mamluk Dynasty and is known for its military expansion, administrative reforms and efforts to strengthen the central authority of the Delhi Sultanate. The Khiljis were of Turkic origin and played a significant role in extending the empire into southern India.

Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414)

 Tughlaq Dynasty followed the Khiljis and is remembered for ambitious projects, administrative experiments and architectural contributions. Despite facing internal revolts and challenges, the Tughlaqs expanded the empire and introduced significant changes in taxation, currency and governance.

Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451)

 The Sayyid Dynasty ascended to power after the decline of the Tughlaq Dynasty. The Sayyids, founded by Khizr Khan, who was a governor under Timur, presided over a smaller and less influential Delhi Sultanate than the Tughlaqs, with challenges from the various regional powers. 

Although their reign was considered weak compared to the Tughlaq Dynasty, it preserved the continuity of Muslim rule in northern India.

Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526)

The Lodi Dynasty was the final dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, initiated by an Afghan ruler named Bahlul Lodi. The Lodis reinforced the Sultanate, moved the capital to Agra under Sikandar Lodi, and struggled against internal challenges that ultimately caused their downfall. The Lodi dynasty concluded with Ibrahim Lodhi who was defeated by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat (1526), thus commencing the Mughal Empire.