Question

Discuss the nature of conflict between the nobility and the delhi sultans.

Answer 1

While both Delhi Sultanate (320 years) and Mughal Empire (331 years) stretched over large parts of Indian Subcontinent at different times, there was marking difference between the both in terms of Origin, Administrative set up, Architecture, Tolerence towards non-muslims and such other aspects.

While Delhi Sultanate stood from 1205 to 1555, Mughal Empire lasted from 1526 until 1857.Delhi Sultanate was ruled by a number of dynasties at different times, like Mamluk, Khilji, Tughlag, Sayyid and finally Lodhi, whereas Mughal Empire was ruled by a single Dynasty.Founder of Delhi Sultanate, Qutubuddin Aibak was a Governor of Muhammad Ghori. Aibak was a Turk. On the other hand Mughal Empire, established by Babur, was an offshoot of Timurid Dynasty of Turco-Mongol lineage. Babur was a descendant of Timur from father’s side and Chengis Khan from mother side.Delhi Sultanate by and large did not approve of any kingdoms or autonomous units within their stretch. Possibly that was the reason why it saw the emergence of Bahmani Kingdom spearheaded by the Turkish Governor Alaudin Bahnan Shah. Mughal empire on the other hand did not see many internal revolts against it.Although both used to impose Jizya (tax paid by non-muslims) at different times under different rulers, Mughals (except Aurangzeb) were more tolerant towards hindus and non-muslims.Mughals made major use of alliance based strategies in contrast to Sultans. Viz- Akbar incorporated Rajputs into mughal governance. Sardeshmukhi and Chauth were allowed to be collected by Marathas, by some Mughal emperors.In terms of Architecture, while Sultans made extensive use of local stones, Mughals were more fond of Red Sandstone. Sultanate was the first to introduce a true arch but Mughal Architecture was more intricate and more persian marked by introduction of concept of Charbagh.We can also observe that other aspects of art and culture like Paintings and Music were given more importance during the reign of Mughals, especially Akbar and Shahjehan