Questions about Delhi Sultanate

Short answers, pulled from the story.

Who founded the Delhi Sultanate and when did it begin?

Qutb al-Din Aibak founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 after rising from a military servant to the first Sultan of Delhi. He established an empire that would dominate the Indian subcontinent for over three centuries.

When did the Delhi Sultanate end and what caused its final collapse?

The Delhi Sultanate ended in 1526 when Babur defeated and killed Ibrahim Lodi in the Battle of Panipat. This event marked the final collapse of the empire and led to its succession by the Mughal Empire.

Who was the only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and when did she reign?

Razia Sultana was the only female ruler in Islamic history to sit on the throne of Delhi, reigning from 1236 to 1240. Her reign ended in tragedy as she was eventually overthrown and killed by the nobility.

What economic policies did Ala ud-Din Khalji implement to fund his army?

Ala ud-Din Khalji raised agricultural taxes from 20% to 50% and established state-run markets called shahana-i-mandi where only Muslim merchants with exclusive permits could trade. He implemented strict price controls and banned capitalist investors from the horse trade to nationalize the economy.

When did Timur invade Delhi and how many people were killed during the massacre?

Timur invaded Delhi in 1398 and unleashed a massacre that lasted over fifteen days. Estimates for the massacre range from 100,000 to 200,000 people, leaving the city in ruins and the Sultanate in a state of anarchy.

Which dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1451 to 1526 and who was its founder?

The Lodi dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1451 to 1526 and was founded by Bahlul Khan Lodi. This Afghan or Turco-Afghan dynasty represented the final chapter of the empire before being conquered by the Mughal Empire.