Lesson: The Delhi Sultanate
1. Name the Khilji governor of Bengal who threw of his allegiance at time of Iltutmish’s ascension.
2. Mention the name of the last shah of Khwarezmid Empire of Central Asia.
3. List the measures taken by Alauddin to control the Mongols.
Answers
Answer:
- The slave or the Mamluk Dynasty was replaced by Khilji Dynasty as the ruling dynasty of India. The founder of Khilji Dynasty was Jalal ud din Firuz Khilji. He killed the last descendent of Slave Dynasty and declared himself the sultan of Delhi sultanate at the age of 70 years in 1290 AD. The Khilji clan traced their origin to Afghan village of Khalji. Jalal-ud-din Firuz Khilji’s original name was Malik Firuz. He was not cruel by nature. When Balban’s nephew Malik Chhajju imposed a war on Jalal-ud-din Firuz Khilji, the former was defeated and captured alive but was forgiven by the Sultan of Delhi.
Mangols attacked India during Jalaluddin Khilji’s times under Halaku but avoided an open war after some negotiations.
- Mongols attacked once again under Ulugh Khan. He accepted Islam and was given sultan’s daughter in marriage. He settled near Delhi.
Jalal-ud-din Khilji pardoned criminals whether it was a conspirator or a traitor. This policy was not appreciated by his courtiers and nobles. They were actually exasperated by his kind behavior. As a result, Jalaluddin Khilji was killed by his nephew and son-in-law Alauddin Khilji who succeeded him as the new king of Khilji Dynasty.
Alauddin Khilji
The real name of Alauddin Khilji was Ali Gurshap. He sat on the throne of Delhi Sultanate in 1296 AD after killing his uncle Jalal ud din Firuz Khilji. Allauddin Khilji was known as the most powerful ruler of Delhi sultanate. Despite the fact that Alauddin was illiterate, he was an able soldier. He excelled in commanding the army. He expanded the territory of Delhi Sultanate to down south. During his time the empire extended from Indus to Bengal and from Himalayas to Vindyas. He defeated the ruler Raja Ramchandra and forced him to flee to hills.