The second dynasty to enter and rule over the Delhi Sultanate was the Khilji Dynasty. Hailing from Central Asia, their entry marked the end of monopolization of power and racial dictatorship by Ilbari Turks. They were known to have adopted the Khura Sanian's urbane culture and certain Afghan customs and social traditions from Ghaznavids.

That is one of the reasons why the court of Khiljis was of multi-ethnical background with people of Persian, Indian, Arab and Turkish origin. One prominent result of their rule was the widening of the social base of the ruling class. Candidates can read other NCERT Notes on History of Medieval India to prepare for UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains exam.

A critical topic for the IAS Exam, Khilji Dynasty is an essential part of both Prelims and UPSC Mains GS-I. This article will prepare about Khilji Dynasty in detail, their history and their policies of the ruling.

Who was the founder of the Khilji Dynasty?

• The founder of the Khilji Dynasty was Jalal-ud-din Firoz Khilji (1290-1296 A.D.)
• Ascended the throne at the age of 70 and ruled the next 6 years
• He made Kilokhari as his capital.
• Gained the title of “Clemency Jalal-uddin” because he believed and followed peace and wished to rule the sultanate without violence.

Prominent Events of Jalal-ud-din Firoz Khilji’s Rule

• Mongol Invasion - In 1292 A.D. Jalal-ud-din crushed the Mongols who had dared to rise to Sunam.
• He began his rule with suppressing Malik Chhajju’s revolt at Kara
• Following which he appointed Ala-ud-din Khilji as the Governor of Kara. Alauddin was his son-in-law and also nephew.
• Lastly, Jalal-ud-din was treacherously murdered by Ala-ud-din Khilji.

Who was Ala-ud-din Khilji?

• Commonly referred to as the greatest ruler of the entire Khilji Dynasty and touted as the first Muslim ruler to expand his empire right up to the extreme South of India.
• In 1296 A.D. Ala-ud-din Khilji took over Jalal-ud-din Firoz Khilji and managed the throne.
• He extravagantly allocated money and gold among his people, noble and ministers so that they may think no more of the murder of Jalal-ud-din and advocate for him.
• It is rumoured that Alauddin Khilji was poisoned by Malik Kafur.
• He died in January 1316.

Where all did Ala-ud-din Khilji’s Invade?

Ala-ud-din Khilji Invasions in the North:

• The generals of Ala-ud-din Khiliji - Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan conquered Gujarat for him.
• He then went on to capture Ranthambore and killed its ruler, Hamir Deva himself.
• He is also touted for capturing Malwa, Chittor, Dhar, Mandu, Ujjain, Marwar, Chanderi and Jalor.

Ala-ud-din Khilji Invasions in the South:

• He was the first-ever Sultan who dared and attacked Southern India.
• He was known to send his confidante and general Malik Kafur against the rulers of the south.
• This way, Prataprudra-II of Warangal, Ramachandra Deva, the Yadava king of Devagiri, and Vira Ballala-III the Hoysala king were defeated.
• He audaciously built a mosque in Rameswaram.
• At last, the power of Alauddin Khilji was accepted by the kingdoms in Southern India and they then paid his monetary tributes.

The Mongol Invasion

Ala-ud-din was successfully able to withstand the Mongol invasion more than 12 times.

What were the Domestic Policies of Alauddin Khilji?

• Ala-ud-din followed the Divine Right Theory of Kingship.
• He introduced four ordinances to prevent repeated revolts.
• Ala-ud-din kept pious grants and free grants of lands
• He revamped the entire spy system.
• He made social gatherings and wine illegal.
• He introduced a permanent standing army.
• Ala-ud-din was the first ruler known to start the system of tainting of horses and a definitive roster of each soldier to restrict corruption.
• He established the prices of crucial commodities at below the normal market rates.
• He strictly marketed for the prohibition of black marketing.
• Unlike previous rulers, Revenue under his rule was collected in cash and not in kind.
• He stringently pursued biased policies towards the Hindus and set the Jizya, a grazing tax and a house tax on the Hindu community.

Marketing System

• Officers by the name of Diwan-i-Riyasat were chosen in the offices called Shahana-i-mandi to standardize the market.
• He made sure that all the merchants interested in the market registered themselves in Shahana-i-mandi before the sale of their goods at the fixed rates.

Ala-ud-din-Khilji’s Estimate

• He was the first in the Khilji Dynasty to bring forth a standing army system.
• He built Alai Darwaza, the Palace of a thousand pillars and the famous Siri Fort.

To get more information and study materials on Indian Medieval History for UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains exam, candidates can check NCERT Medieval History Notes right here.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who was the founder of the Khilji dynasty?

A) Alauddin Khilji
B) Jalal-ud-Din Khilji
C) Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish
D) Razia Sultana

2. Which ruler of the Khilji dynasty is known for implementing market control reforms?

A) Shihab-ud-Din
B) Alauddin Khilji
C) Jalal-ud-Din Khilji
D) Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq

3. Which of the following regions was annexed by Alauddin Khilji during his military campaigns?

A) Bengal
B) Gujarat
C) Kashmir
D) Deccan Plateau

4. The Khilji dynasty is known for its conquest of which famous fortress?

A) Red Fort
B) Chittor Fort
C) Gwalior Fort
D) Agra Fort

5. Which factor contributed most to the decline of the Khilji dynasty?

A) Administrative inefficiency
B) Successful military campaigns
C) Weak leadership after Alauddin
D) Increase in trade

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate the military reforms introduced by Alauddin Khilji. How did these reforms impact the strength of the Delhi Sultanate?

Answer: Alauddin Khilji introduced several military reforms that enhanced the strength of the Delhi Sultanate. These included the establishment of a professional standing army, which was supported by a well-organized intelligence network. The introduction of a centralized recruitment system and the provision of salaries in cash, instead of land grants, ensured a more disciplined and efficient army. These reforms allowed the Khilji dynasty to launch successful campaigns against Rajput kingdoms and expand the empire’s borders. Additionally, the strategic use of spies and intelligence networks allowed him to preempt threats and maintain control over his vast territory. These reforms had a lasting impact on the military structure of the Delhi Sultanate.

Q2: Discuss the economic policies of Alauddin Khilji. How did they affect the society and economy of medieval India?

Answer: Alauddin Khilji’s economic policies, particularly his market control system, had a profound impact on medieval India. By implementing price controls on essential commodities such as food grains and horses, he aimed to stabilize the economy and reduce inflation during times of war. These policies were designed to ensure that essential goods remained affordable for the common people, but they also led to significant taxation and financial pressure on the peasantry. His focus on military funding through revenue from land and agricultural produce reshaped the economic landscape, concentrating wealth in the hands of the state. While these measures were effective in stabilizing the economy during his reign, they also led to exploitation and resentment among the lower classes.

Q3: Analyze the role of Alauddin Khilji’s conquests in shaping the political and cultural landscape of India.

Answer: Alauddin Khilji’s military conquests significantly altered the political and cultural landscape of medieval India. His expansionist policies resulted in the annexation of key regions such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of the Deccan. These conquests not only strengthened the Delhi Sultanate’s position but also brought considerable wealth and resources to the empire. Culturally, Khilji's rule saw an influx of Central Asian and Persian influences, which blended with indigenous Indian traditions. This fusion resulted in a distinctive cultural identity, seen in the architecture and art of the period. However, his conquests also led to widespread destruction of temples and cultural monuments, especially in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Despite the destruction, his reign marked the zenith of the Khilji dynasty’s political power.

Previous Year Questions on Khilji Dynasty

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Who among the following was the founder of the Khilji dynasty?

A) Jalal-ud-Din Khilji
B) Alauddin Khilji
C) Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish
D) Raziya Sultan

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Jalal-ud-Din Khilji was the founder of the Khilji dynasty, which he established in 1290, marking the beginning of Khilji rule in the Delhi Sultanate.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Examine the contributions of Alauddin Khilji to the Delhi Sultanate. How did his policies shape the political and economic structure of medieval India?"

Answer: Alauddin Khilji’s contributions to the Delhi Sultanate were significant in both political and economic domains. His military reforms, including the professionalization of the army and establishment of an effective intelligence network, strengthened the empire. Economically, his market reforms, aimed at controlling prices of essential goods, had a lasting impact on the structure of the medieval economy. Politically, his strong centralization policies ensured greater control over the nobility and led to the empire’s expansion. However, his autocratic style and authoritarian rule also contributed to internal unrest.