Khalji Dynasty, 1290–1320
Key Pointers
- Founder: Jalaluddin Khalji (1290–96). The 'Khalji Revolution' ended Turkish monopoly on power; non-Turkish nobles gained prominence.
- Alauddin Khalji (1296–1316): Killed his uncle Jalaluddin, took the title Sikandar-i-Sani (second Alexander). Capital: Siri.
- Conquests in north: Gujarat (1299), Ranthambore (1301), Chittor (1303) (Rana Ratan Singh), Malwa (1305).
- Conquests in south (led by Malik Kafur): Devagiri (Yadavas, 1307), Warangal (Kakatiyas, 1310), Dwarasamudra (Hoysalas), Madurai (Pandyas).
- Mongol invasions: Repelled several attacks; strengthened frontiers and built the fort of Siri.
- Market control measures: Fixed prices of grain, cloth, horses, cattle and slaves. Diwan-i-Riyasat (Yaqub) and Shahna-i-Mandi (market superintendents); state granaries; strict penalties.
- Revenue reforms: Land measurement (paimaish); land revenue (kharaj) fixed at about 50% of produce; checked rural intermediaries (khuts, muqaddams); introduced house tax (ghari) and grazing tax (chari).
- Military reforms: Large standing army paid in cash; dagh (branding of horses) and huliya (descriptive roll of soldiers).
- Architecture: Alai Darwaza (1311), Siri fort, Hauz Khas tank, Jamaat Khana mosque (Nizamuddin).
- Literary figures: Amir Khusrau, Amir Hasan Dehlavi, Zia-ud-din Barani.
MCQs
Q1. The market control system and price regulation is associated with: (a) Balban (b) Alauddin Khalji (c) Firoz Tughlaq (d) Sher Shah Answer: (b).
Q2. Alai Darwaza at the Qutb complex was built by: (a) Iltutmish (b) Alauddin Khalji (c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (d) Firoz Shah Tughlaq Answer: (b).
Q3. Who led Alauddin Khalji's southern campaigns? (a) Ulugh Khan (b) Zafar Khan (c) Malik Kafur (d) Nusrat Khan Answer: (c).