The Delhi Sultanate: The Khalji Dynasty

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key figures, terms, and policies of the Khalji Dynasty within the Delhi Sultanate as detailed in the lecture notes.

Khalji Dynasty

The second dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, of Turkish origin settled in Afghanistan, which ruled from $1290\text{ CE}$ to $1320\text{ CE}$.

Padmavat

An epic poem written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in the 16th century that mentions the legend of Rani Padmini.

Jalaluddin Firuz Khalji

The sultan declared by the nobility after the struggle between old Turkish nobility and new forces; he was eventually murdered by his nephew.

Alauddin Khalji

The sultan who ascended the throne in $1296\text{ CE}$ and followed an aggressive policy of territorial expansion in North and South India.

Jauhar

A ritual suicide committed by Rajput women, such as Rani Padmini, to avoid capture and dishonour by burning themselves to death.

Malik Kafur

The leader of Alauddin Khalji's Deccan expedition and later the regent for Alauddin's minor son.

Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq

The general tasked with defending Dipalpur against the Mongols who later became the first ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty.

Shahna-i-mandi

Market officers appointed to keep a strict watch on prices and weights within the sultanate's markets.

Barids

Intelligence officers used to monitor activities, including those in the markets, for the sultan.

Dagh

The system of branding horses to prevent their borrowing or exchange during military service.

Chehra

A detailed description of each soldier maintained by the administration to prevent fraud in the army.

Dak chauki

An elaborate postal system involving foot runners and horses that allowed the sultan to keep in touch with the army on the move.

Alauddin's Revenue Share

The state's share of land revenue which was increased from one-third to half of the produce and collected in cash.

Amir Khusrau

The famous Persian poet who lived in the court of Alauddin Khalji.

Alai Darwaza

A beautiful specimen of Turkish architecture built as an entrance door to the Qutb Minar.

Siri Fort

A noteworthy monument and defensive structure built by Alauddin Khalji in Delhi.

Palace of Thousand Pillars

A prominent structure built in Delhi during the reign of Alauddin Khalji.

Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah

The last ruler of the Khalji dynasty who was murdered in $1320\text{ CE}$ by his general, Khusrau Khan.