Tughlaq Dynasty

Tughlaq Dynasty, which rose to power during medieval India, had its roots in the blending of Turkic and Indian influences. Their dominion was primarily centered in the Sultanate of Delhi. Commencing in 1320 and lasting until 1413, the dynasty saw various rulers, including notable figures like Ghazi Malik and Muhammad-bin-Tughluq. This period marked significant shifts in both domestic and foreign policies, shaping the course of India’s history.

Ruler of Tughlaq Dynasty

Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (Ghazi Malik)

The founder of the Tughlaq dynasty was Ghazi Malik who ascended the throne as Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in AD 1320.
After a brief rule, he died in AD 1325 and his son Muhammad Tughlaq ascended to the throne.
Under the Tughlaqs the Delhi Sultanate was further consolidated.
Many outlying territories were brought under the direct control of the Sultanate.
He built the fortress city of Tughlaqabad which was the capital and a strong fortress designed for defense.

Muhammad Bin Tughlaq

He became the Sultan of Delhi after his father’s death, even though he has been blamed for his father’s death by some historians.
The Sultan believed in the Divine Right theory of kingship.
Following a liberal policy, he appointed officials irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.
He also did not discriminate against his Hindu subjects.
He undertook a policy of conquest and sent expeditionary forces to Khurasan, Nagarkot, Qarajal, Mewar, Telingana, and Malabar.
Diplomatic relations were established with many Asian countries.
His empire was the most extensive one among the medieval Sultans.
He constructed the Royal residence of Jahanpanah along with the Begumpuri mosque.

Firoz Shah Tughlaq

The cousin of Muhammad Tughlaq, Feroz (or Firuz) Shah Tughluq, ascended the throne in 1351 and ruled until 1388.
Although not a capable military leader like his predecessors, the Sultan was a great builder of cities, monuments, and public buildings.
The Sultan imposed the four taxes sanctioned by Islamic laws, including a tax on non-Muslims.
His campaign to Jajnagar (Odisha) in 1361 destroyed the famous Puri Jagannatha temple.

End of the Tughlaq Dynasty

The struggle for the throne in the Sultanate led to internal conflicts, with factions constantly vying for power. Battles erupted every month, and loyalty shifts among amirs became a regular occurrence, fueling a civil war that persisted until 1398. His invasion proved catastrophic for the Sultanate, as he defeated its armies, wreaked havoc on Delhi, and triggered rebellion and mass slaughter. The city struggled to recover from this devastation for nearly a century.

In the aftermath, Timur appointed Khizr Khan as his viceroy in Delhi, setting the stage for the rise of the succeeding Sayyid dynasty. Khizr Khan initially only controlled Multan, Dipalpur, and parts of Sindh but eventually launched a successful campaign against the Tughlaq dynasty, culminating in his victorious entry into Delhi in 1414. This marked the end of the Tughlaq dynasty’s rule in India.