The Delhi Sultanate: The Golden Tiger and The Jeweled Peacock

Introduction

• Duration: Over three centuries
• Location: Emerged from Delhi
• Geopolitical Importance: Controlled choke point between the Ganges and Indus River valleys
• Territory Coverage: Modern-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
• Defenses: Defeated Mongol Empire's attempts to Annex India
• Refugee Status: Haven for those fleeing Mongols

Origins

• Founders: Slaves without noble, clerical, warrior, or merchant backgrounds
• Early Life of Aibak: Turkistani boy sold multiple times, raised with skills by a kind magistrate
• Purchase by Muhammad of Ghor: Aibak impresses with his work ethic, generosity, and skills

Rise to Power

1. Promotions:
   • Supervisor
   • Master of Stables
   • Logistics Manager
   • General
2. Key Conquests:
   • Indus Valley
   • Confrontation with Rajputs: Initial defeat followed by victory through updated military tactics

Establishment of Delhi Sultanate

• Civil War: Post-murder of Muhammad of Ghor
• Support for Aibak: Known for fairness and generosity; consolidated power in Northern India
• Capital: Delhi, transitioned from a small city to a nerve center
• Death: Died at 60 due to fall from a horse

Successors and Consolidation

• Aram Shah: Elected but unpopular, quickly deposed
• Iltutmish: Familiar origin to Aibak, moved capital from Lahore to Delhi, strengthened the city and territory
• Mongol Refugees: Wealthy members enriched Delhi

Razia Sultan

• Iltutmish's Daughter: One-year administrator chosen over inept sons
• Rukn ud din's Reign: Disastrous with killing sprees and ineffective governance
• Razia’s Rule: Effective but faced rebellion due to her assertiveness

Balban and Beyond

• Balban: Stabilized and defended against Mongols, ruled behind puppets
• Jalal ud Din Firuz Khilji: Came to power with minimal bloodshed, known for humility

Key Figures

• Ala ud Din Khalji: Usurped uncle, expanded empire, used cruelty effectively
• Mohammad bin Tughluq: Intellectual yet mismanaged, leading to famine and revolt
• Feroz Shah Tughlaq: Competent ruler after Mohammad bin Tughluq
• Tamerlane Invasion: Sacked Delhi, led to Tuglaq dynasty collapse

Late Sultanate Period

• Sayyid Dynasty: Weak and ineffective
• Lodhi Dynasty: Stable with territorial expansions until defeated by Mughal invasion

Mughal Takeover

• Final Battle: Mughal victory aided by firearms vs. war elephants
• Delhi’s Legacy: Remained significant through Mughal period and to modern day
• Population: Over 30 million people in its urban area

Conclusion

• Legacy: Delhi is a historical, cultural, and economic hub
• Recommendation: Visit historical sites and enjoy local cuisine in Delhi