Indian History and World History (Part-15)

1. Mamluk Dynasty (Slave Dynasty)

• First dynasty of the Sultanate.

• Rulers were former slaves of Muhammad Ghori.

• Famous ruler: Iltutmish (introduced Iqta system, consolidated empire).

• Razia Sultana: First and only woman ruler of Delhi Sultanate.

2. Khilji Dynasty

• Known for military expansion and market reforms.

• Most notable ruler: Alauddin Khilji

  • Conquered South India.

  • Introduced price control, market reforms, and a strong spy system.

3. Tughlaq Dynasty

• Known for ambitious experiments and reforms.

• Muhammad bin Tughlaq: Moved capital to Daulatabad, introduced token currency.

• Firoz Shah Tughlaq: Built canals, promoted education, and founded new cities.

4. Sayyid Dynasty

• Weak and short-lived.

• Established after Timur’s invasion.

• Dependent on nobles and Afghan chieftains.

5. Lodi Dynasty

• Last dynasty of the Sultanate.

• Ruled by Afghan nobles.

• Famous ruler: Sikandar Lodi (promoted agriculture and administration).

• Defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (1526), marking the rise of the Mughal Empire.

It started with the Mamluk (Slave) dynasty and ended with the Lodi dynasty.

The main functions of the wazir were to look after the financial organization of the State and, on occasion, to lead military expeditions.

Major Departments in the Delhi Sultanate

1. Diwan-i-Wizarat

   • Head: Wazir (Prime Minister)

   • Function: Finance, revenue collection, and state expenditure.

2. Diwan-i-Arz

   • Head: Ariz-i-Mumalik

   • Function: Military affairs—recruitment, training, salary, and horse branding.

3. Diwan-i-Insha

   • Head: Dabir-i-Khas

   • Function: Royal correspondence, documentation, and state communication.

4. Diwan-i-Rasalat

   • Head: Sadr-us-Sudur

   • Function: Religious matters, charities, Islamic law enforcement.

5. Diwan-i-Qaza

   • Head: Qazi-ul-Quzzat

   • Function: Judiciary—civil and criminal justice based on Islamic law.

6. Diwan-i-Barid

   • Head: Barid

   • Function: Intelligence and postal communication across the empire.

7. Shurta

   • Head: Kotwal

   • Function: City police—law and order, regulation of markets and public conduct.

The administration of the Delhi Sultanate was divided into various parts - central, provincial, judicial, local, etc.

There were many departments and officials who assisted the sultan in his administration.

It provides valuable information about the rulers of Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 AD) of Delhi. It also contains the history of Muhammad Ghori and his rulers up to the third ruler of the Sayyid dynasty.

The earlier part of the book was written with the help of the works of other historians but the later part was written by him on the basis of trustworthy information and personal knowledge.