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Delhi: 12th to 15th Century
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Foundation Batch For Class 7

DELHI 12TH TO 15TH CENTURY

THE HEART OF EMPIRES: DELHI (12TH-15TH CENTURY)

Introduction

This chapter explores the rise and fall of Delhi as a political and cultural center between the 12th and 15th centuries. It focuses on the establishment of Delhi as the capital of several dynasties, their administration, and the significant contributions made during this period.

Timeline of Delhi’s Dynasties

  1. The Early Turkish Rulers (12th Century):
    • Muhammad Ghori’s conquest of Delhi (1192 CE) laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate.
    • Qutb-ud-din Aibak established the Slave Dynasty in 1206 CE.
  2. The Delhi Sultanate (1206 CE – 1526 CE):
    • Five major dynasties ruled during this period:
      1. Slave Dynasty (1206-1290 CE)
      2. Khalji Dynasty (1290-1320 CE)
      3. Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 CE)
      4. Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 CE)
      5. Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526 CE)

Key Rulers and Their Contributions

1. Slave Dynasty

  • Qutb-ud-din Aibak:
    • Known as the “Founder of the Delhi Sultanate.”
    • Built the Qutb Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Delhi.
  • Iltutmish:
    • Strengthened the administration and introduced the iqta system (land revenue system).
    • First to use Delhi as a stable capital.
  • Razia Sultan:
    • First and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
    • Known for her administrative skills and resistance to gender norms.

2. Khalji Dynasty

  • Alauddin Khalji:
    • Expanded the Sultanate through military conquests.
    • Controlled prices of goods through the market control system.
    • Defended India from Mongol invasions.

3. Tughlaq Dynasty

  • Muhammad bin Tughlaq:
    • Known for ambitious but controversial policies.
    • Shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and back.
    • Introduced token currency (failed due to forgery).
  • Firoz Shah Tughlaq:
    • Built irrigation canals and hospitals.
    • Constructed Firoz Shah Kotla fort.

4. Sayyid Dynasty

  • Focused on maintaining Delhi amidst political instability.

5. Lodi Dynasty

  • Ibrahim Lodi:
    • Last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
    • Defeated by Babur in the Battle of Panipat (1526 CE), leading to the Mughal Empire.

Administration Under the Delhi Sultanate

  1. Centralized Power:
    • Sultan held supreme authority.
    • Ministers and nobles assisted in administration.
  2. Iqta System:
    • Land revenue was collected by iqta holders (governors).
  3. Military System:
    • Standing army maintained by the Sultan.
    • Recruitment based on loyalty and efficiency.
  4. Justice and Law:
    • Islamic law (Sharia) governed justice.
    • Qazis (judges) handled legal matters.

Cultural and Architectural Achievements

  1. Architecture:
    • Blend of Persian, Indian, and Islamic styles.
    • Notable structures:
      • Qutb Minar (Aibak).
      • Alai Darwaza (Alauddin Khalji).
      • Hauz Khas (Tughlaq).
  2. Education and Literature:
    • Growth of Persian and Urdu languages.
    • Patronage to scholars and poets like Amir Khusrau.
  3. Religion and Society:
    • Promotion of Islam.
    • Interaction between Hindu and Islamic cultures.

Challenges Faced by the Delhi Sultanate

  1. Mongol Invasions:
    • Frequent attacks weakened the Sultanate.
  2. Revolts by Nobles and Governors:
    • Samantas and local rulers often rebelled.
  3. Economic Instability:
    • Over-taxation and failed policies, like token currency.

Impact of Delhi Sultanate on India

  1. Political Unity:
    • Centralized administration laid the foundation for future empires.
  2. Cultural Synthesis:
    • Fusion of Indian and Islamic traditions.
  3. Economic Growth:
    • Expansion of trade and markets.

Interactive Story: The Rise of Delhi

“Once upon a time, Delhi was a small city with a rich history. With the arrival of the Turks, it transformed into the political heart of India. Brave rulers like Razia Sultan challenged norms, and visionary leaders like Alauddin Khalji brought prosperity. Each dynasty added its unique flavor, turning Delhi into a vibrant and culturally rich city. As you walk through Delhi today, the monuments whisper tales of its glorious past.”

Tips and Tricks to Remember

  1. Mnemonic for Dynasties: Silly Kangaroos Taught Smart Lessons
    • S: Slave Dynasty
    • K: Khalji Dynasty
    • T: Tughlaq Dynasty
    • S: Sayyid Dynasty
    • L: Lodi Dynasty
  2. Key Events Timeline:
    • 1192 CE: Muhammad Ghori’s conquest.
    • 1206 CE: Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
    • 1290 CE: Khalji rule begins.
    • 1320 CE: Tughlaq rule begins.
    • 1526 CE: End of Sultanate, start of Mughal Empire.

Practice Questions

  1. Who was Razia Sultan, and why is she significant in Indian history?
  2. Explain the iqta system introduced during the Delhi Sultanate.
  3. Describe the contributions of Alauddin Khalji.
  4. What were the architectural achievements of the Delhi Sultanate?
  5. Why did Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s policies fail?

Conclusion

The Delhi Sultanate played a pivotal role in shaping India’s history. It established a centralized administrative system, encouraged cultural exchanges, and laid the foundation for future empires like the Mughals. The story of Delhi during the 12th to 15th centuries is one of resilience, ambition, and transformation.

 

🟢 EASY LEVEL (1–20)

  1. Who laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate?
    A) Babur
    B) Muhammad Ghori
    C) Akbar
    D) Sher Shah
  2. In which year did Muhammad Ghori conquer Delhi?
    A) 1206
    B) 1192
    C) 1526
    D) 1290
  3. Who founded the Slave Dynasty?
    A) Iltutmish
    B) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
    C) Razia Sultan
    D) Alauddin Khalji
  4. The Slave Dynasty began in:
    A) 1192
    B) 1206
    C) 1290
    D) 1320
  5. Who is known as the founder of the Delhi Sultanate?
    A) Iltutmish
    B) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
    C) Razia Sultan
    D) Babur
  6. Qutb Minar was built by:
    A) Alauddin Khalji
    B) Iltutmish
    C) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
    D) Firoz Shah
  7. Who was the first woman ruler of Delhi?
    A) Nur Jahan
    B) Razia Sultan
    C) Mumtaz Mahal
    D) Chand Bibi
  8. Iltutmish introduced the:
    A) Zamindari system
    B) Iqta system
    C) Mansabdari system
    D) Jagirdari system
  9. The Khalji Dynasty began in:
    A) 1206
    B) 1290
    C) 1320
    D) 1414
  10. Alauddin Khalji is known for:
    A) Building Taj Mahal
    B) Market control system
    C) Writing books
    D) Agriculture reforms
  11. The Tughlaq Dynasty started in:
    A) 1290
    B) 1320
    C) 1414
    D) 1451
  12. Who shifted the capital to Daulatabad?
    A) Alauddin Khalji
    B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
    C) Firoz Shah
    D) Ibrahim Lodi
  13. Token currency was introduced by:
    A) Iltutmish
    B) Alauddin Khalji
    C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
    D) Babur
  14. Firoz Shah Tughlaq built:
    A) Red Fort
    B) Qutb Minar
    C) Firoz Shah Kotla
    D) Taj Mahal
  15. The Sayyid Dynasty ruled from:
    A) 1320–1414
    B) 1414–1451
    C) 1451–1526
    D) 1206–1290
  16. The Lodi Dynasty was the:
    A) First
    B) Second
    C) Last
    D) Third
  17. Ibrahim Lodi was defeated by:
    A) Akbar
    B) Sher Shah
    C) Babur
    D) Humayun
  18. The Battle of Panipat took place in:
    A) 1192
    B) 1206
    C) 1526
    D) 1320
  19. The Delhi Sultanate ended in:
    A) 1451
    B) 1526
    C) 1290
    D) 1414
  20. The Sultan held:
    A) Limited power
    B) No power
    C) Supreme authority
    D) Religious authority only

🟡 MODERATE LEVEL (21–40)

  1. The iqta system was related to:
    A) Trade
    B) Land revenue
    C) War
    D) Religion
  2. Iqta holders were:
    A) Farmers
    B) Governors
    C) Traders
    D) Priests
  3. The army of the Sultan was:
    A) Temporary
    B) Standing army
    C) Volunteer army
    D) Foreign army
  4. Justice was based on:
    A) Hindu law
    B) British law
    C) Sharia law
    D) Local customs
  5. Judges were called:
    A) Zamindars
    B) Qazis
    C) Ministers
    D) Nobles
  6. Alauddin Khalji controlled:
    A) Religion
    B) Prices
    C) Education
    D) Language
  7. Mongol invasions:
    A) Strengthened Delhi
    B) Weakened Sultanate
    C) Had no effect
    D) Helped trade
  8. Razia Sultan is known for:
    A) Trade
    B) Administration
    C) War only
    D) Farming
  9. Firoz Shah Tughlaq is known for:
    A) War
    B) Irrigation works
    C) Trade
    D) Literature
  10. Persian language was used in:
    A) Trade
    B) Administration
    C) Farming
    D) War
  11. Amir Khusrau was:
    A) King
    B) Poet
    C) Soldier
    D) Trader
  12. Hauz Khas was built during:
    A) Slave dynasty
    B) Khalji dynasty
    C) Tughlaq dynasty
    D) Lodi dynasty
  13. Alai Darwaza is linked to:
    A) Aibak
    B) Khalji
    C) Tughlaq
    D) Lodi
  14. Economic instability was caused by:
    A) Trade
    B) Over-taxation
    C) Farming
    D) Education
  15. Revolts were mainly by:
    A) Farmers
    B) Nobles
    C) Traders
    D) Priests
  16. Cultural synthesis means:
    A) War
    B) Mixing of cultures
    C) Trade
    D) Religion
  17. Delhi became important due to:
    A) Farming
    B) Political power
    C) Trade only
    D) Religion only
  18. The Sultan was helped by:
    A) Farmers
    B) Ministers
    C) Traders
    D) Artists
  19. Military recruitment was based on:
    A) Religion
    B) Loyalty
    C) Birth
    D) Wealth
  20. The Delhi Sultanate encouraged:
    A) Trade
    B) Culture
    C) Administration
    D) All of these

🔴 DIFFICULT LEVEL (41–50)

  1. The correct order of dynasties is:
    A) Khalji–Slave–Tughlaq–Lodi–Sayyid
    B) Slave–Khalji–Tughlaq–Sayyid–Lodi
    C) Tughlaq–Slave–Khalji–Lodi–Sayyid
    D) Lodi–Sayyid–Slave–Khalji–Tughlaq
  2. The iqta system helped in:
    A) Trade
    B) Administration
    C) Religion
    D) Education
  3. Failure of token currency was due to:
    A) War
    B) Forgery
    C) Trade
    D) Agriculture
  4. Delhi became capital because:
    A) Good farming
    B) Strategic location
    C) Religious importance
    D) Trade only
  5. Mongol attacks mainly affected:
    A) Culture
    B) Economy
    C) Stability
    D) Religion
  6. Alauddin Khalji’s reforms mainly targeted:
    A) Religion
    B) Economy
    C) Culture
    D) Education
  7. Centralized power means:
    A) Shared power
    B) Power with Sultan
    C) Power with villagers
    D) No power
  8. Cultural blending led to:
    A) Wars
    B) Indo-Islamic culture
    C) Trade
    D) Agriculture
  9. The Delhi Sultanate laid the foundation for:
    A) British rule
    B) Mughal Empire
    C) Mauryan Empire
    D) Gupta Empire
  10. The main reason for the fall of the Sultanate was:
    A) Strong rulers
    B) Internal weakness + invasions
    C) Trade
    D) Religion

✅ ANSWER KEY

1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B, 5-B
6-C, 7-B, 8-B, 9-B, 10-B
11-B, 12-B, 13-C, 14-C, 15-B
16-C, 17-C, 18-C, 19-B, 20-C

21-B, 22-B, 23-B, 24-C, 25-B
26-B, 27-B, 28-B, 29-B, 30-B
31-B, 32-C, 33-B, 34-B, 35-B
36-B, 37-B, 38-B, 39-B, 40-D

41-B, 42-B, 43-B, 44-B, 45-C
46-B, 47-B, 48-B, 49-B, 50-B

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