Khilji Dynasty

The Khilji dynasty was able to rule the country of India for a span of three decades. This dynasty came to the country for the vast amount of wealth and resources that were stored in various provinces. The form of this government is known to be Sultanate as it was before the other rulers. This dynasty was installed as the Sultanate after the founder defeated the Mamluk dynasty.

Origins of the Khilji Dynasty

The origination of this dynasty is seen to come from the race of Turks and Afghans. The Khijis were known to be Turks before they came to settle down in the region of Central Asia. There are debates that show the people belonging to this dynasty were Afghans. On the other hand, certain historians claim the rulers of the Khilji Dynasty were originally Turks. There were languages distinct from different regions that eventually led to the formation of Urdu.

Founder of Khilji Dynasty

The ruler who founded the Khilji dynasty is known as JalaluddinFiruz Khilji. He was part of a family that served the Mamluk Dynasty as a subordinate vessel. The ruler of the Mamluk Dynasty, Ghiyasud din Balban were facing several problems to maintain the authority of his crown. This made them vulnerable to the Khiji and other nobles from the Indo-Muslim factions. All of these officers from the Mamluk Dynasty faced assassinations that brought an end to the dynasty. Jalaluddin Khilji was crowned as the ruler of the Sultanate after his rebellion killed the last head of the Mamluk Dynasty.

There was a rebellion that was led by Khislu Khan who was the nephew of Ghiyasud din Balban. Once Balban was dethroned, the nephew was appointed as the head of Kara. In spite of this appeasement, the ruler made a secret pact with the Governor of Awadh to trigger off this revolt. The uprising was eventually curbed and Allauddin Khilji was made the head of this state. The founder’s rule came to an end when his son-in-law murdered him

Reign of Alauddin Khilji

The reign of Allauddin Khilji started when the founder of this dynasty was murdered by him. The time of his reign is considered to be very notorious as he was orthodox and practised discriminatory policies against non-Muslims. The ruler was known for being faithless and ferocious and the military expeditions led by him were marks of his intelligence.

The second ruler of this dynasty came to the throne of the sultanate in the year 1296. He was able to deter the invasion of Mongols five times even after he faced a massive surprise invasion from the Mongol army. He captured the region of the Deccan peninsula and Malwa to loot its resources and wealth. The kingdoms of Ranthambore and Chittorgarh were conquered under his reign for the vast treasures possessed by the country.

A senior officer of the Khilji Dynasty was sent to capture the city of Warangal which had treasures as famous as the Kohi-Noor diamond. The raid to the south went up to Madurai where hundreds of temples were destroyed for resources.

Economic policies of the Khilji Dynasty

The tax system laid out by the dynasty was not at all faithful to the people living under the rule of Allauddin Khilji. There were hefty taxes that were imposed on the properties of the common people . Some of the taxes that were considered to be moderate and nominal for everyone were annulled by the Sultanate. There was a system of jizya tax where people had to pay taxes if their religion was not Islam. These were the taxes that made the life of every subject very miserable as compared to other rulers of the Sultanate.

Administrative system of Alauddin Khilji

The central administration of Alauddin Khilji was set up to look after the economic affairs of the country. The name of this body was known as Diwan-i-Riyasat which looked after these policies. The provincial administration was governed by a provincial sultan who was serving Alauddin Khilji. They were in charge of state affairs and the procurement of revenue from the subjects living in those states. They were given the task of maintaining a military force that would enforce the laws of this state. There were special units in the permanent army raised by the second ruler of the dynasty.

Downfall of the Khilji Dynasty

The fall of this ruthless dynasty brought Tughlaq Dynasty to rule the Delhi Sultanate. The major reason was the death of Alauddin Khilji in the year 1311. There was no ruler who was able to fit in the shoes of their predecessor. This weak ruling system made it an opportunity for the Governor of Punjab to lead a rebellion against these rulers. The nobles who supported the cause of this rebellion lent their army and made a pact that eventually brought the end of this dynasty. All of this took place nine years after the death of Alauddin Khilji in the year 1320.

Conclusion

The tutorial focuses on the Khiji Dynasty that ruled the Delhi Sultanate for a span of thirty years. The ruler was very ruthless to the extent that where killed women and children for being suspects of a rebellion. The military campaigns were done solely to loot and plunder the wealth of the Indian subcontinent. The rulers imposed several economic policies and administrative systems in their time span that eventually brought their downfall.

FAQs

Q. Who invaded Warangal on the orders of AlauddinKhiji?

The invasion of Warangal on the orders of AlauddinKhiji was done by general Malik Kafur. The invasion took place in the last few months of the year 1309.

Q. Why Khilji invaded Madurai?

The expedition of Madurai was done by General Malik Kafur under the orders of Alauddin Khilji. They invaded for the precious stones and gems that were boasted by the kingdom.

Q. Who ascended Aladdin Khilji?

The son of Malik KafurShihabuddin ascended the throne when he was six years old.