Class 7 - Social Science - History - CBSE
Chapter 2 Delhi 12th to 15th Century
Summary of Chapter: Delhi (12th to 15th Century)
Delhi became an important city in the 12th century when it was ruled by the Tomara Rajputs. Later, the Chauhans (Chahamanas) of Ajmer defeated them in 1165. These Rajput rulers made Delhi a major trade and commercial center. Coins minted in Delhi had a wide circulation. However, Delhi truly became a powerful political center with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 by Qutbuddin Aibak, a general of Muhammad Ghori.
Delhi Sultanate and Its Dynasties
The Delhi Sultanate had five ruling dynasties:
1. Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty (1206–1290) – Started by Qutbuddin Aibak.
2. Khalji Dynasty (1290–1320) – Alauddin Khalji expanded the empire and introduced market reforms.
3. Tughluq Dynasty (1320–1414) – Muhammad bin Tughluq shifted the capital to Daulatabad and introduced new policies.
4. Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451) – Founded by Khizr Khan, it was a weaker dynasty.
5. Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526) – The last Delhi Sultanate dynasty before the Mughal conquest.
Raziyya Sultan – The First Female Ruler
In 1236, Raziyya Sultan, daughter of Iltutmish, became the first and only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. She was intelligent and capable, but many nobles and scholars, like Minhaj-us-Siraj, did not accept her as a ruler because she was a woman. She was removed from power in 1240.
Administration of the Delhi Sultanate
The Delhi Sultans had a strong system of governance. They did not give power to aristocrats or powerful landlords. Instead, Iltutmish appointed bandagan (special trained slaves) in important positions. This ensured loyalty because these officials were dependent on the Sultan.
The Sultans also appointed iqtadars (governors), who ruled different regions called iqta. Their main duties were:
- Collecting taxes from farmers.
- Maintaining law and order.
- Leading military campaigns.
However, iqtadars were frequently transferred so they could not become too powerful.
The "Circle of Justice"
The historian Fakhr-i Mudabbir wrote about the Circle of Justice. He explained that:
- A king needs soldiers to rule.
- Soldiers need salaries to survive.
- Salaries come from the taxes paid by farmers.
- Farmers can only pay taxes if they are treated fairly.
This meant that rulers had to ensure justice and good governance to keep the kingdom strong.
Taxes Under the Delhi Sultans
The Delhi Sultans collected three major taxes:
1. Kharaj – A land tax, which was about 50% of the farmer’s produce.
2. Zakat – A tax paid by Muslims for charity.
3. Jizya – A tax taken from non-Muslims.
Other taxes included Khums, which was one-fifth of the wealth from mines and treasures.
Mongol Attacks and Military Policies
During the 13th and 14th centuries, Mongols under Genghis Khan invaded areas near Delhi. The attacks increased during Alauddin Khalji’s and Muhammad bin Tughluq’s reigns. To defend the kingdom, these Sultans:
- Built forts like Siri Fort in Delhi.
- Created large standing armies.
- Collected high taxes to maintain the army.
However, maintaining a big army was expensive and difficult.
The Decline of the Delhi Sultanate
The Delhi Sultanate declined due to:
- Weak rulers after Muhammad bin Tughluq.
- Rebellions in Bengal, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
- Rise of new ruling groups like Afghans and Rajputs.
- Mughal invasion by Babur, who defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526).
~~The END~~
Chapter 3 Delhi 12th to 15th Century
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