Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq, also known as Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq (or Ghazi Malik), was the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty in India, reigning over the Sultanate of Delhi from 1320 to 1325. He established the city of Tughlaqabad. His reign was cut short after five years when he died in 1325 during the collapse of a pavilion built in his honour. Ibn Batuta, a 14th-century historian, claimed that his death was the result of a conspiracy. Muhammad bin Tughluq took his place. In this article, we will discuss Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq or Ghazi Malik (1320-1325) which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

During his Reign

• Tughluq established the Tughluq dynasty and ruled the Sultanate of Delhi between 1320 and 1325. Tughluq's policy toward Mongols was harsh.
• He had assassinated Ilkhan Oljeitu envoys and harshly punished Mongol prisoners. He had fought several campaigns against the Mongols, defeating them at the Battle of Amroha in 1305.
• When Tughluq travelled from Multan to Delhi, the Soomro tribe revolted and took control of Thatta. Tughluq named Tajuddin Malik as governor of Multan, Khwájah Khatr as governor of Bhakkar, and Malik Ali Sher as governor of Sehwan.
• Tughluq dispatched his son Fakhruddin Jauna (later Muhammad bin Tughluq) on an expedition to the Kakatiya capital Warangal in 1323. The ensuing Siege of Warangal resulted in the annexation of Warangal and the end of the Kakatiya dynasty.
• In 1323, he named his son Muhammad Shah as his heir and successor and obtained a written promise or agreement from the state's ministers and nobles to the arrangement. He also began work on Tughlaqabad Fort.
• Tughlaq established a stable administration dominated by Multanis during his reign, reflecting his native power base of Dipalpur and Punjab as well as the means he used to seize power.

Domestic and Foreign Policies

• Ghiyas-ud-din brought order back to his empire.
• He prioritised postal arrangements, judicial, irrigation, agriculture, and law enforcement.
• He seized control of Bengal, Utkala or Orissa, and Warangal.
• He apprehended and imprisoned the Mongol leaders who invaded North India.

Administration of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq

• The administration of Ghiyath-ud-din was founded on the principles of justice and moderation. The land revenue was organised, and the Sultan took great care to prevent abuses.
• Cultivators were treated well, and officials were severely punished for their misbehaviour.
• The departments of Justice and Police were efficient, and the greatest security prevailed even in the most remote parts of the empire.
• He attempted to improve the state's finances by instituting a tax system.
• According to Barani, the king believed that people should be taxed "so that they are not blinded with wealth and thus become discontented and rebellious; nor, on the other hand, be reduced to poverty and destitution that they are unable to pursue their daily bread.”
• He improved communication methods as well as road, bridge, and canal conditions.

End of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s Rule

• Tughluq turned his attention to Bengal, which was in the midst of a civil war, in 1324. Following his victory, he annexed East Bengal and installed Nasiruddon on the throne of West Bengal as a vassal state.
• He fought Tirhut on his way back to Delhi (north Bihar). The wooden pavilion used for his reception at Afghanpur collapsed in February 1325, killing him and his second son, Prince Mahmud Khan.
• Ibn Batuta claimed it was a plot devised by his vizier, Jauna Khan (Khwajah Jahan).

Conclusion

Ghiyath-ud-din died in 1325 as a result of the collapse of a pavilion hurriedly built by his son in Afghanpur (near Delhi) to receive him before his ceremonial entry into the capital following his successful campaign in Bengal. There are conflicting accounts as to whether this was an accident or a plot by his son to seize power, so it remains a mystery. Following his death, his son, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, declared himself Sultan.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1. Analyze the significance of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s reforms in stabilizing the Delhi Sultanate.

Answer: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s reforms played a crucial role in stabilizing the Delhi Sultanate during a period of political transition. After the decline of the Khilji dynasty, the administration was disorganized, and rebellions were frequent. Ghiyasuddin introduced reforms to streamline revenue collection and reorganize the military to restore order.
One of his notable reforms was improving land revenue collection, which ensured a stable source of income for the Sultanate. He also prioritized fair administration and established a judicial system aimed at reducing corruption. Militarily, he undertook campaigns to suppress revolts, especially in Bengal, to consolidate power. These measures restored confidence in the Sultanate's governance and laid the foundation for future expansions.
Although his rule was brief, his efforts ensured continuity and stability, helping the Delhi Sultanate navigate the transition to Tughlaq rule.

Q2. Discuss the foreign policy objectives of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and their impact on the Delhi Sultanate.

Answer: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s foreign policy aimed at maintaining control over key regions and securing the borders of the Delhi Sultanate. His primary objective was to consolidate power in northern India and prevent rebellions in frontier areas. Campaigns in Bengal were a key aspect of his foreign policy, as he sought to bring the region firmly under Sultanate control.
He adopted a defensive approach towards external threats, especially from Mongol invasions, to protect the Sultanate’s core territories. Ghiyasuddin’s foreign policy also focused on stabilizing trade routes and maintaining diplomatic relations with neighboring regions.
Although his tenure was short, his military campaigns and strategic alliances strengthened the Sultanate, preventing further fragmentation. His policies ensured the Sultanate’s survival during a transitional period and laid the groundwork for the ambitious expansions pursued by his successor, Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

Q3. Evaluate the challenges faced by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in consolidating his rule and how he overcame them.

Answer: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq faced significant challenges in consolidating his rule, including rebellions, administrative disorganization, and threats from regional governors. The immediate challenge was to establish legitimacy, as his ascent to power followed the overthrow of Khusrau Khan. Ghiyasuddin had to stabilize an administration that was weakened by the declining Khilji rule.
To address these challenges, he implemented land revenue reforms to ensure financial stability and reorganized the military to suppress revolts. His campaigns in Bengal were critical in consolidating the Sultanate's control over eastern India. Additionally, Ghiyasuddin’s focus on a fair judicial system helped restore public confidence in the government.
Despite these efforts, his rule ended abruptly with his mysterious death, leaving some challenges unresolved. However, his reforms laid the foundation for the future consolidation of power under the Tughlaq dynasty.

Previous Year Questions on  Ghiyas-ud-din Tughluq

1. UPSC CSE 2017

Question. Evaluate the contributions of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in laying the foundation for the Tughlaq dynasty. 

Answer: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s contributions were instrumental in laying the foundation for the Tughlaq dynasty, following the collapse of the Khilji dynasty. His foremost achievement was stabilizing the administration through reforms in revenue collection and military reorganization. His rule marked a shift towards more efficient governance, with an emphasis on fair judicial practices to address corruption.
Ghiyasuddin also launched military campaigns to suppress rebellions, especially in Bengal, ensuring the Sultanate’s stability. His foreign policy was defensive, focusing on securing the borders and preventing Mongol incursions. These policies helped consolidate the Delhi Sultanate’s control during a turbulent period.
Despite his short reign, Ghiyasuddin’s reforms set the stage for the ambitious policies pursued by his successors. His focus on stability over expansion provided a solid administrative foundation, ensuring the continuity of the Tughlaq dynasty.

2. UPSC CSE 2021

Question. Analyze the administrative and military policies of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and their impact on the Delhi Sultanate. 

Answer: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's administrative and military policies had a lasting impact on the Delhi Sultanate, helping it navigate a period of political transition. Administratively, he introduced reforms in land revenue collection, ensuring financial stability for the Sultanate. His focus on judicial fairness helped restore confidence in governance and reduced corruption.
Militarily, Ghiyasuddin reorganized the army, ensuring it was well-prepared to suppress internal revolts. His campaigns in Bengal were essential in consolidating the Sultanate’s control over eastern India. His defensive strategy also safeguarded the Sultanate against external threats, particularly from the Mongols.
Although his reign was brief, Ghiyasuddin’s policies stabilized the Sultanate, paving the way for future expansions under Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His efforts ensured that the Tughlaq dynasty inherited a stable administrative structure, contributing to the longevity of the dynasty.