Delhi Sultanate (Overview)

The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE) refers to the period of Muslim rule over large parts of India, with Delhi as its capital, established after the Turkish conquest led by Muhammad of Ghur’s generals. It was marked by the rule of five successive dynasties and introduced significant changes in politics, administration, culture, and architecture.

Timeframe & Dynasties

Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty: 1206–1290 CE
Khilji Dynasty: 1290–1320 CE
Tughlaq Dynasty: 1320–1414 CE
Sayyid Dynasty: 1414–1451 CE
Lodi Dynasty: 1451–1526 CE

Factors Leading to its Establishment

Defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan in Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE).
Consolidation of Turkish control in north-west India by Qutbuddin Aibak.
Military superiority of Turks (cavalry, horse archers, siege weapons).
Political disunity among Rajputs and other regional powers.

Political Features

Centralised monarchy with absolute power vested in the Sultan.
Persian language as the official language.
Military aristocracy known as Iqta system (land assignments to nobles for revenue collection and military service).
Importance of slave soldiers (Mamluks) and Turkish nobles.

Social & Cultural Impact

Introduction of Indo-Islamic culture.
Persian and Arabic literature flourished.
Emergence of new architectural styles combining Islamic and Indian elements (arches, domes, minarets).
Spread of Sufism.

Economic Changes

Development of cities as centres of trade and administration.
Introduction of new crops and irrigation techniques.
Strengthening of coinage system (gold, silver, copper).

Decline & End

Internal conflicts, succession disputes, and rebellions.
Invasions by Timur (1398) and later Babur.
Ultimately replaced by Mughal Empire after First Battle of Panipat (1526).

Bihar Relevance

Bihar came under Delhi Sultanate rule in early 13th century.
Important administrative region with centres at Patna and Bihar Sharif.
Sufi saints like Makhdoom Yahya Maneri of Bihar played major role in cultural life during Sultanate era.

Current Affairs (till Aug 2025)

Restoration of Sultanate-era monuments in Bihar Sharif and Maner.
Bihar tourism promoting “Sufi Circuit” linked to Sultanate period.

PYQs (BPSC)

📝 PYQ (BPSC 2014): Official language of Delhi Sultanate? → Persian
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2011): Which system involved assignment of land to nobles for revenue? → Iqta system

Expected MCQs

📝 First dynasty of Delhi Sultanate? → Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty
📝 Last dynasty of Delhi Sultanate? → Lodi Dynasty
📝 End year of Delhi Sultanate? → 1526 CE

Quick Revision Points

Period: 1206–1526 CE.
Five dynasties: Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi.
Capital: Delhi.
Introduced Persian language, Indo-Islamic architecture, Iqta system.
Ended with Babur’s victory at Panipat (1526).

One-Page Rapid Revision Summary

The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE) was a centralised Islamic monarchy that ruled most of northern India through five successive dynasties. Established by Turkish generals after Muhammad of Ghur’s conquests, it brought administrative reforms, Indo-Islamic culture, and architectural innovations. Bihar was incorporated into the Sultanate’s territory and became a hub for administration and Sufi activities. The Sultanate declined due to internal conflicts and foreign invasions, ending with Babur’s conquest in 1526.