Delhi sultanate

A set of flashcards covering major events, figures, and concepts in Medieval Indian history, focusing on the Tughlaq dynasty and its impact.

Who founded the Tughlaq dynasty?

Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq

What was Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's contribution to military strategy?

He strengthened the North West frontier to safeguard against Mongol invasions.

What were Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's major reforms in land revenue?

He introduced the batai system (crop-sharing) instead of land measurement and fixed land revenue at 1/10th of the produce.

What were Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's irrigation policies?

He initiated irrigation by constructing canals to improve agricultural productivity and support peasants during wartime.

What were the reasons for the failure of Mohammad bin Tughlaq's token currency system?

Lack of trust, issues with counterfeiting, and poor management of the mint.

Why did Mohammad bin Tughlaq shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?

To improve administration in the south, but it caused logistical problems and led to discontent.

What was Mohammad bin Tughlaq's policy on merit-based appointments?

He appointed officials based on merit, not birthright.

What role did Ibn Batuta play during Mohammad bin Tughlaq's reign?

Ibn Batuta served as the chief Qazi and ambassador to China, and documented his travels in 'Rihala'.

How did Firoz Shah Tughlaq impact agriculture?

He built a vast irrigation network, including canals, and provided taccavi loans to farmers.

What were the causes of Firoz Shah Tughlaq's focus on welfare and social reform?

He established hospitals, charities, and created a system for helping orphans and widows.

How did Firoz Shah Tughlaq organize his military?

He made the military assignments hereditary and reinforced the iqta system.

What led to the downfall of the Tughlaq dynasty?

Autocratic leadership, poor administration, heavy taxation policies, and failure of key reforms.

What role did agriculture play in Tughlaq dynasty's economic policies?

Critical focus with systems like batai and taccavi loans to support farmers.

How did Mohammad bin Tughlaq's failed Khurasan expedition affect his reign?

It drained resources and led to dissatisfaction among subjects.

What were the key administrative features of the Tughlaq dynasty?

Centralized administration with a council of ministers, military commanders, and provincial governors known as Iqtadars.

What reforms did Firoz Shah Tughlaq introduce in land revenue?

Restructured the land revenue system, introduced new taxes, and fixed the land tax.

What architectural contributions were made during the Tughlaq period?

Building of forts like Tughlaqabad and Jahan Panah, and completing the Qutb Minar.

Discuss the significance of the Tughlaqabad fort.

It was a strategic military stronghold and symbol of Tughlaq power.

How did Firoz Shah Tughlaq deal with the nobility?

He empowered the nobility by strengthening the hereditary nature of military and administrative positions.

What were Firoz Shah Tughlaq's contributions to literature and culture?

He patronized scholars and poets, compiling important works and encouraging translations.

How did the Iqta system function under the Tughlaq dynasty?

Assigned land revenue to military officials as compensation, which became hereditary.

What were the major challenges faced by Mohammad bin Tughlaq in administration?

Resistance to reforms, mismanagement of land revenue, and revolts.

What was the role of the Ulemas during the Tughlaq period?

Influential Islamic scholars, challenged by Mohammad bin Tughlaq.

What is the significance of the Jizya tax introduced by Firoz Shah Tughlaq?

Made as a separate tax for non-Muslims, institutionalizing it as a revenue source.

What were the military reforms under the Tughlaq dynasty?

Expanded army, established a standing army, introduced pay in cash.

How did Firoz Shah Tughlaq influence the architecture of Delhi?

Built the Firoz Shah Kotla and new cities, enhanced architectural preservation.

What were the causes of the Sayyid dynasty's decline?

Internal instability, weak rulers, and external invasions.

What is the significance of Khizr Khan in the Sayyid dynasty?

Founder of the Sayyid dynasty, declared independence as governor of Multan.

Who was the last ruler of the Sayyid dynasty?

Ala-ud-din Alam Shah.

How did Sikander Lodhi contribute to the consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate?

Suppressed jagirdars and promoted trade, enhancing military and economy.

What were the architectural contributions of the Lodhi dynasty?

Known for tombs in Lodi Gardens and double domes in architecture.

What was Sikander Lodhi's role in the development of Agra?

Founded Agra, which later became the seat of Mughal power.

How did Ibrahim Lodhi's rule lead to the downfall of the Sultanate?

Despotic rule and alienation of the nobility.

What were the internal and external factors that led to the fall of the Delhi Sultanate?

Internal conflict, mismanagement, external invasions.

What was the role of the Iqta system in the disintegration of the Delhi Sultanate?

Decentralization of power weakened the Sultan's authority.

What was the significance of the Mongol invasions on the Delhi Sultanate?

Severely weakened the Sultanate, causing economic decline.

How did the Sultanate's military system evolve during the Tughlaq period?

Introduced cash payments, expanded the army, established a standing army.

What is the significance of the Qutb Minar in Delhi Sultanate architecture?

A symbol of architectural achievements showcasing Islamic styles.

What were the major urban developments during the Sultanate period?

Rise of urban centers, trade hubs, and infrastructure development.

What was the importance of the Persian influence on Delhi Sultanate culture?

Shaped literature, language, and administration of the Sultanate.

How did the introduction of Islam affect Indian culture during the Sultanate period?

Fusion of Persian, Turkish, and Indian cultural elements.

What was the role of the Qazi and Ulemas during the Sultanate's rule?

Administered Islamic law and influenced religious decisions.

What impact did Sultanate's policies have on Hindu society?

Often marginalized through heavy taxes and forced conversions.

What was the significance of the Jizya tax in the Sultanate?

Imposed on non-Muslims, deepening religious divisions.

What was the relationship between the Sultanate and Sufism?

Sufism flourished, influencing religious practices and social harmony.

How did the Sultanate's administrative policies impact the economy?

Centralized policies developed a stable but hierarchical economy.

How did the Sultanate contribute to the spread of Persian and Islamic culture in India?

Patronage of literature, architecture, and establishing Persian as court language.

How did the Tughlaq dynasty approach military recruitment and army structure?

Reforms included cash payments and centralization of military control.

What was the significance of Firoz Shah Tughlaq's canal construction?

Landmark achievement in irrigation infrastructure benefiting agriculture.

What role did the Sultans play in fostering Islamic education and culture?

Supported madrasas and institutions for the study of law and theology.