π Topic 02 of 6 Β· Chapter 08 Β· Delhi Sultanate
Khalji Dynasty & Alauddin Khalji’s Reforms
Alauddin Khalji’s market reforms, price control, military reforms, Mongol invasions, Malik Kafur’s Deccan campaigns.
ποΈ Khalji Dynasty (1290β1320)
- Founded by Jalal-ud-din Khalji (1290) β overthrew the last Slave dynasty ruler
- The Khaljis were of Afghan-Turkish origin β not pure Turks like the Slave dynasty
- Greatest ruler: Alauddin Khalji (1296β1316) β nephew and son-in-law of Jalal-ud-din
- Alauddin killed Jalal-ud-din to seize the throne
π Alauddin Khalji (1296β1316) β Greatest Sultanate Ruler
Market Reforms:
Alauddin established four separate markets in Delhi with fixed prices:
| Market | Goods | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Sarai-i-Adl | Grain and food | Shahna-i-Mandi (market controller) |
| Cloth market | Cloth, cattle | Diwan-i-Riyasat (market department) |
| Horse market | Horses, cattle | Registration of horses; fixed prices |
| General market | All other goods | Fixed prices; spies to check violations |
β Purpose of Market Reforms: Alauddin’s market reforms were primarily aimed at maintaining a large army at low cost. By fixing prices of goods, he could pay soldiers lower salaries while ensuring they could afford necessities. This allowed him to maintain a large army to repel Mongol invasions and conquer the Deccan.
Revenue Reforms:
- Increased land revenue to 50% of produce (from 1/6)
- Abolished all tax exemptions
- Introduced Ghari (house tax) and Charai (cattle tax)
- Harsh but filled the treasury β enabled military campaigns
Military Reforms:
- Introduced Dagh (branding of horses) β to prevent fraud
- Introduced Chehra (descriptive roll of soldiers) β to prevent substitution
- Paid soldiers in cash β not land grants
- Built Siri Fort β new capital near Delhi
βοΈ Mongol Invasions β Repelled by Alauddin
- Alauddin repelled 4 major Mongol invasions β a remarkable achievement
- 1297 CE: Mongols under Kadar Khan β defeated
- 1299 CE: Mongols under Qutlugh Khwaja β defeated near Delhi
- 1303 CE: Mongols under Taraghai β besieged Delhi; Alauddin retreated to Siri Fort; Mongols withdrew
- 1306 CE: Mongols under Iqbalmand β decisively defeated
βοΈ Deccan Campaigns β Malik Kafur
- Malik Kafur β Alauddin’s general; eunuch slave who rose to become most trusted commander
- Conquered Yadavas of Devagiri (1307)
- Conquered Kakatiyas of Warangal (1309) β brought Koh-i-Noor diamond to Delhi
- Conquered Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra (1311)
- Reached Pandyas of Madurai (1311) β southernmost extent of Delhi Sultanate
π Exam Tip:
β’ Sarai-i-Adl = grain market; Shahna-i-Mandi = market controller
β’ Diwan-i-Riyasat = market department
β’ Dagh = branding of horses; Chehra = descriptive roll
β’ Malik Kafur = Alauddin’s general; Deccan campaigns; Koh-i-Noor
β’ Alauddin repelled 4 Mongol invasions
β’ Sarai-i-Adl = grain market; Shahna-i-Mandi = market controller
β’ Diwan-i-Riyasat = market department
β’ Dagh = branding of horses; Chehra = descriptive roll
β’ Malik Kafur = Alauddin’s general; Deccan campaigns; Koh-i-Noor
β’ Alauddin repelled 4 Mongol invasions