Why this matters now
The Sultanate is a core medieval topic — the sequence of dynasties, landmark rulers and reforms (Alauddin Khilji, Muhammad bin Tughlaq), the iqta system and Indo-Islamic art are perennial prelims/GS-1 content.
The five dynasties
Five dynasties ruled in succession:
- Slave / Mamluk (1206–1290) — Qutb-ud-din Aibak (Qutb Minar), Iltutmish, Razia Sultan, Balban;
- Khilji (1290–1320) — Alauddin Khilji (market/price control, Deccan campaigns);
- Tughlaq (1320–1414) — Muhammad bin Tughlaq (capital shift, token currency) and Firoz Shah Tughlaq;
- Sayyid (1414–1451);
- Lodi (1451–1526) — ended when Ibrahim Lodi lost to Babur at Panipat (1526).
Landmark rulers and reforms
Alauddin Khilji imposed market and price-control regulations and a strong army to face the Mongols. Muhammad bin Tughlaq, the “wisest fool”, attempted the transfer of capital to Daulatabad and token (copper) currency — both failed. Firoz Shah Tughlaq focused on public works and canals. Iltutmish introduced the silver tanka and copper jital.
Administration and culture
The Sultanate ran on the iqta system (assignment of revenue from land in lieu of salary). It produced enduring Indo-Islamic architecture (the Qutb Minar, Alai Darwaza, Tughlaqabad), the growth of Persian and Urdu, and the spread of the Sufi (Chishti) and Bhakti movements.
UPSC angle
Know the order Slave→Khilji→Tughlaq→Sayyid→Lodi, Alauddin Khilji’s price control, Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s capital/token experiments, the iqta system, and the end at Panipat (1526). Iltutmish: tanka.
Frequently asked questions
Which five dynasties ruled the Delhi Sultanate?
The Slave (Mamluk), Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid and Lodi dynasties, in that order, from 1206 to 1526.
What was the iqta system?
A system of assigning the revenue of a piece of land (iqta) to officials/nobles in place of a cash salary.
What were Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s famous experiments?
The transfer of the capital to Daulatabad and the introduction of token (copper) currency — both of which failed.
How did the Delhi Sultanate end?
Ibrahim Lodi was defeated by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, founding the Mughal Empire.