Khilji (Khalji) Dynasty

Medieval History

The Khilji dynasty marked a new era of imperial ambition in India. It succeeded the Slave Dynasty and ruled the Delhi Sultanate for about 30 years. The Khiljis, though of Turko-Afghan origin, were known for their military strength, administrative reforms, and expansionist policies. The dynasty reached its peak under Alauddin Khilji, who established the foundations of a strong central government, reformed the economy, and expanded the Sultanate’s boundaries to its greatest extent in the north and Deccan.

Jalaluddin Khilji (1290–1296 A.D.)

Founder of the Khilji Dynasty, Jalaluddin Khilji was around 70 years old when he ascended the throne of Delhi. He overthrew the last ruler of the Slave dynasty, Kaiqubad, to become Sultan.
Adopted a liberal and tolerant policy, unlike the harsh and autocratic rule of Balban. He was known for his mild nature and reluctance to shed blood unnecessarily.
Allowed Malik Chhajju (Balban’s nephew) to continue as governor of Kara, but his leniency was interpreted as weakness.
When Chhajju revolted (1292), Jalaluddin suppressed the rebellion but pardoned him, reflecting his forgiving character.
Even when thugs and bandits plundered the countryside, he only warned them instead of punishing severely, which created discontent among his nobles.
His son-in-law, Alauddin Khilji, rose in power as governor of Kara and was an ambitious military commander.
In 1296, Alauddin returned from a successful raid on Devagiri (Deccan), laden with enormous wealth. During the ceremonial reception at Kara, Alauddin treacherously murdered Jalaluddin Khilji and seized the throne of Delhi.

Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316 A.D.)

Alauddin Khilji was one of the most powerful and ambitious rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. His reign is considered the high point of Muslim imperialism in India. He separated politics from religion, declaring that the Sultan was above religious interference, and famously stated:
“Kingship knows no kinship.”

Titles and Personality

Took the title “Sikandar-i-Sani” (Second Alexander) after his military successes.
Known for his administrative genius, economic reforms, and strong centralized authority.
According to chroniclers like Ziauddin Barani and Amir Khusrau, Alauddin was a stern, determined, and pragmatic ruler who believed in absolute monarchy.

Administrative and Market Reforms

Alauddin Khilji introduced a series of bold reforms aimed at curbing the power of nobles, ensuring a steady revenue system, and maintaining a large standing army:

Military Reforms

Increased his cavalry strength to 4,75,000 soldiers (as per historian Ferishta).
Introduced the Dagh system (branding of horses) to prevent corruption and ensure high-quality cavalry horses.
Prepared Huliya (descriptive rolls) of soldiers to prevent fraud in the army’s payroll.
Paid salaries to soldiers in cash instead of land grants, which required him to maintain stable prices of essential commodities.

Market Control System

Implemented a price control policy to regulate the cost of goods, known as market reforms.
Established four main markets in Delhi:
- Grain market.
- Market for cloth, sugar, dried fruits, butter, and oil.
- Market for horses, cattle, and slaves.
- Market for miscellaneous goods.
Appointed Shahna-i-Mandi as the chief market controller.
Created a department called Diwani Riyasat, supervised by Naib-i-Riyasat, to monitor prices and supply.
Secret agents (munhiyans) reported malpractices in markets.
Strict punishments were given to shopkeepers who violated regulations, cheated in weights, or charged higher prices.
Grain stocks were stored in government warehouses to avoid price fluctuation.

Land Revenue Reforms

First Sultan to introduce land measurement for assessing revenue.
Land revenue was collected in cash to ensure that the Sultan’s army could be paid in money rather than in kind.
These reforms later became the foundation for land policies of Sher Shah Suri and Akbar.

Four Important Ordinances

Confiscation of religious endowments and free land grants to check the growing influence of religious leaders.
Reorganization of the spy system to monitor nobles and ensure no conspiracies against the Sultan.
Ban on wine and intoxicants, which he believed led to indiscipline among nobles.
Restrictions on nobles’ social interactions, such as intermarriages and private gatherings without royal permission, to prevent conspiracies.

Military Campaigns

Alauddin Khilji was an outstanding general and strategist. He expanded the Sultanate’s boundaries through a series of conquests in both north and south India:

Against Mongols

The Mongols repeatedly attacked India during Alauddin’s reign.
Alauddin repelled them six times, fortified the northwestern frontier, and appointed Gazi Malik (later Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq) as the Warden of the Marches.

Northern India

Gujarat (1298): Conquered under generals Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan.
Ranthambhor (1301): Captured after fierce resistance from Rajput ruler Hammir Deo.
Chittor (1303): Famous siege resulting in the Jauhar (mass self-immolation) of Rajput women, including the legendary Rani Padmini, immortalized in Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s Padmavat.
Malwa (1305): Defeated local rulers and annexed the region.
Jalor (1311): Brought under his control.

Deccan Expeditions (1308–1311)

His trusted general Malik Kafur, a converted Hindu eunuch, led the southern campaigns.
Defeated and extracted tribute from major Deccan rulers:
- Ramachandra Deva (Yadava ruler of Devagiri).
- Pratap Rudra Deva (Kakatiya ruler of Warangal).
- Vir Ballala III (Hoysala ruler of Dwarsamudra).
- Veera Pandya (Pandya ruler of Madurai).
These expeditions made the Delhi Sultanate one of the richest empires, as enormous wealth and elephants were brought back.

Cultural Aspects

Though illiterate, Alauddin Khilji patronized art, architecture, and literature.
The famous poet Amir Khusrau, known as the “Parrot of India,” was his court poet. He wrote Khazain-ul-Futuh, describing Alauddin’s conquests.
Architectural Contributions:
- Built the new capital at Siri.
- Constructed Alai Fort and Alai Darwaza (gateway near Qutub Minar).
- Expanded waterworks and forts across Delhi.

Decline of the Khilji Dynasty

Alauddin Khilji died in 1316, leaving behind young and inexperienced heirs.
His son Mubarak Shah became Sultan but was weak and indulgent.
Mubarak’s trusted favorite, Khusro Khan (a converted Hindu), conspired, murdered Mubarak Shah, and usurped the throne as Nasiruddin Khusro Shah.
In 1320, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, governor of Dipalpur, marched to Delhi, killed Khusro Khan, and established the Tughlaq Dynasty, ending Khilji rule.

Significance of Alauddin Khilji’s Rule

Strengthened the central administration, curtailed feudal nobility, and maintained the largest standing army of the Delhi Sultanate till then.
His market and revenue reforms ensured price stability and a strong economy.
His Deccan campaigns brought unprecedented wealth to Delhi, enabling the Sultanate to dominate the subcontinent.
His reign is often called the “Golden Age of Imperial Expansion” of the Sultanate.

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Subject: Medieval History

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