Khalji Dynasty (1290-1320)

Jalaluddin Khilji set the stage for the Khilji dynasty and took the throne at a ripe age of 70. Despite his relatively short six-year reign, he endeavored to soften some of the strict measures imposed during Balban’s rule. Jalaluddin aimed to bring a more compassionate touch to governance, showing a concern for the well-being of his subjects.

Overview of Khalji Dynasty

It was founded by Jalal-ud-din Khalji who ruled from 1290 to 1296.
The Khilji dynasty succeeded the Mamluk Dynasty or the Slave dynasty (1206-1290) that was ruled by the early Turkish rulers like Qutbuddin Aibak, Shamsuddin Iltutmish, Raziya and Ghiyasuddin Balban.
Alauddin Khalji was the first Delhi Sultan to depart from the practice of styling the sultan as the Caliph’s deputy and to receive investiture from him.
Alauddin Khalji’s son Qutb-ud-din Mubarak assumed the title of Khalifa for himself. Khalji Dynasty was succeeded by the Tughlaq Dynasty.

Ruler of Khalji Dynasty

Jalaluddin Khilji (1290-1296)

His real name was Malik Feroz Khilji.
He ruled from 1290 – 1296 He is remembered as a benevolent ruler.
Thus also known as a ‘Saint ruler’.
The most important retaliation during his reign was of Sidi Maula, which was suppressed by him
He attempted to lay siege to the Ranthambore Fort which was unsuccessful.
The fort was well fortified and was believed to be the most powerful fort of the time.
Hamir Dev was the ruler of Ranthambore during this time.
Mongols attacked India under the leadership of Abdullah, whom he referred to as his son.
Post this, a group of Mongols in the leadership of Ulgu settled at Delhi.
They were known as ‘New Muslims’ Jalaluddin appointed Alauddin as the Iqtedar of Haasi and Kada.
He was Jalaluddin’s nephew Alauddin was an extremely ambitious person.
He sought permission to attack Gujarat and South India from Jalaluddin.
He attacked Milsa (Gujarat) in 1293 and Devgiri (Maharashtra) in 1294.
Alauddin got excessive wealth during this attack.
This wealth should ideally have been submitted in the central treasury of the state, however, he kept it with himself.
On asking by Jalaluddin, Jalaluddin was called by Alauddin to a place called Kada to submit the wealth.
Jalaluddin was however killed by Alauddin in Kada.

Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316)

His reign was from 1296 – 1316.
He became ruler after killing Jalaluddin.
Thus he had to prove his legality of rule among the people.
Due to the benevolent nature of Jalaluddin and his non-expansionist policies, the provincial rulers under the dynasty had freed themselves.
Thus it was now important for Alauddin to win those areas back By this time, Mongols had a very strong army and a very aggressive expansionist policy.
To face these attacks by the Mongols, Alauddin needed a big army.
Also to prove his legality, he distributed a lot of wealth between the people Slowly, he was able to bring the people of Delhi under his influence.
He then started to expand his kingdom .

Art and Culture

Alauddin Khalji was quite the patron of the arts, supporting talented poets like Amir Khusro and Amir Hasan, who flourished under his encouragement.
Famous for his architectural endeavors, Alauddin Khalji constructed the impressive Alai Darwaja, serving as the gateway to the Qutub Minar. Additionally, he initiated the construction of the Alai Minar, a project twice the size of the Qutub Minar, although it remained unfinished.
In response to the persistent Mongol threats, Khalji took the strategic step of building a new capital, known as Siri Fort. This decision was driven by the need to protect against repeated attacks from the Mongols.
Tragically, Alauddin Khalji passed away in 1316. Following his death, Malik Kafur assumed the responsibility of raising Khalji’s young son as the new sultan.
Unfortunately, Kafur faced challenges as he lacked support from both the armies and the nobles. His rule was short-lived, and within a few months, he met his demise due to the lack of backing from key factions.

End of Khalji Dynasty

Mubarak Shah, Alauddin’s elder son, became the Sultan in 1316 after Malik Kafur’s death, marking the end of the Khalji dynasty. Unfortunately, he reversed his father’s reforms, leading to market inflation. Despite his short reign, he undertook campaigns in places like Gujarat and Warangal.

Mubarak Shah developed a close bond with Khusrau Khan, a former Hindu slave captured during Alauddin’s Malwa raid. However, Khusrau, who was forced into a role he despised, sought revenge and killed Mubarak Shah in 1320.

During his brief 3-month rule, Khusrau Khan faced unpopularity among Delhi’s Muslim nobles for allegedly favoring his original Hindu caste. The discontent led to a revolt, led by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (Ghazi Malik). Khusrau Khan was defeated at the Battles of Saraswati and Lahrawat, marking the end of the Khalji Dynasty in 1320 and the rise of the Tughluq dynasty in the Delhi sultanate.

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