IGNOU DEGREE HISTORY 2nd Year || CHAPTER 2 || Delhi Sultanate Consolidation and Expansion

IGNOU's BHIC-107, Unit 2, focuses on the Consolidation and Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate. This chapter typically covers the period from the establishment of the Sultanate by Qutb-ud-din Aibak to its territorial zenith, particularly under rulers like Iltutmish, Balban, Alauddin Khalji, and Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Here's a summary of the key aspects discussed in this chapter:
I. Foundation and Early Challenges (Aibak and Iltutmish):
Foundation by Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206-1210 CE): Aibak, a Mamluk (slave) general of Muhammad Ghori, established the independent Delhi Sultanate after Ghori's death. His reign was largely focused on consolidating the initial conquests and asserting authority over various regional chiefs and rivals.
Consolidation under Iltutmish (1210-1236 CE): Regarded as the "real founder" of the Delhi Sultanate, Iltutmish played a crucial role in stabilizing the nascent state.
Suppression of Rivals: He effectively dealt with internal rebellions and external threats from rivals like Taj-ud-din Yildiz (Ghazni) and Nasir-ud-din Qabacha (Multan and Uchh), thereby securing the Sultanate's frontiers.
Administrative Reforms: He organized the administration, notably establishing the Iqta system, which divided the empire into assignments (iqtas) given to nobles and officers in lieu of salary, ensuring military support and revenue collection.
Introduction of Coinage: He introduced standardized Arabic coinage, the silver Tanka and copper Jital, which further facilitated economic stability and centralized control.
Formation of Chahalgani: He organized a corps of forty loyal Turkic nobles (Turkan-i-Chahalgani or 'Corps of Forty') to strengthen his position and ensure loyalty.
Mongol Threat: He strategically handled the Mongol threat under Changez Khan, preventing their direct incursion into India.
II. Period of Instability and Balban's Consolidation:
Successors of Iltutmish: After Iltutmish, there was a period of political instability marked by weak rulers and the increasing power of the Chahalgani nobles, culminating in the brief rule of Razia Sultan (Iltutmish's daughter), who faced immense opposition due to her gender.
Consolidation under Balban (1266-1287 CE): Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, a powerful member of the Chahalgani, eventually ascended the throne and undertook drastic measures to restore the prestige of the Sultanate and curb the power of the nobility.
Theory of Kingship: He developed a strong theory of kingship, asserting the divine nature of the Sultan's authority (Zil-i-Ilahi - shadow of God). He introduced elaborate court ceremonies like sijda (prostration) and paibos (kissing the monarch's feet) to enhance royal prestige.
Military Reorganization: He reformed the army, strengthening the central military and creating a spy system (barids) to keep checks on nobles and provincial governors.
Suppression of Rebellions: He brutally suppressed regional rebellions, particularly in Mewat and Bengal, and dealt firmly with robber gangs (Mewatis) in the Doab region to secure trade routes.
Mongol Policy: He focused on defending the northwestern frontiers against Mongol incursions, building forts and deploying strong garrisons.
III. Expansion under Khaljis and Tughlaqs:
Khalji Revolution: The ascension of the Khaljis (Jalaluddin Khalji and then Alauddin Khalji) marked a shift in the nature of the Sultanate. The Khaljis, unlike the early Turkic rulers, were not part of the established Turkic nobility, and their rise signaled a broader base for power.
Expansion under Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316 CE): Alauddin Khalji is known for his aggressive expansionist policies and extensive administrative reforms.
Conquests in North India: He conquered Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittor, Malwa, and other Rajput states, bringing a significant portion of North India under direct Sultanate control.
Deccan and South Indian Expeditions: His general, Malik Kafur, led successful military expeditions into the Deccan and South India, conquering kingdoms like Devagiri, Warangal, Dwarasamudra, and Madurai. While these regions were not directly annexed, they were forced to acknowledge Delhi's suzerainty and pay rich tributes.
Administrative and Economic Reforms: To sustain his large army and control the vast empire, he implemented strict market control policies, fixed prices of goods, and reformed the land revenue system (measurement of land, direct collection from peasants).
Mongol Defense: He effectively repelled numerous Mongol invasions, securing the northwestern frontier.
Expansion under Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 CE): Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign saw the Delhi Sultanate reach its maximum territorial extent, but also witnessed administrative experiments that often led to revolts and decentralization.
Ambition for Universal Conquest: He aimed for a vast, universal empire, leading to campaigns
#ignou
#ignousolvedassignment
#ignouuniversity