Delhi Sultanate → Khilji Dynasty (1290 – 1320)

Founder of Khilji dynasty was Jalaluddin Khilji
killed by his son–in–law Alauddin Khilji to claim the throne of Delhi

Alaunddin Khilji (1296 – 1316)

Passed 4 ordinances to be free from rebellions:

Confiscated properties of Nobles

Organised intelligence system to know secret activities of nobles

Public sale of drugs & alcohol was totally stopped

Social gathering & festivities without permission of Sultan was forbidden

Maintained large standing army & paid them in cash
Introduced system of Dagh (Branding of horses) & Huliya (of soldiers)
Introduced 4 markets in Delhi viz.

For Grains

For cloths, sugar, dry fruits, oil & butter

For horses, slaves & cattle

For miscellaneous commodities

Each market was under the control of a high officer called “Shahna – i – Mandi”
Secret agents “Munhiyans” were appointed to report functioning of these markets to sultan
Prices were fixed for every commodity & if anyone found cheating, he was measured with harsh punishment
Alauddin Khilji was 1^st sultan of Delhi who ordered measurement of land to collect land revenue in cash

Military Campaign

Raided Gujrat in 1299, Queen & a Eunuch “Kafur” were taken to Delhi,
kafur was made Malik Naib (Military commander)
Raided Chittor where Raja Ratan singh fought valiantly but got defeated
Ratan singh’s queen Rani Padmini performed Jauhar (self-immolation) along with other women (Mentioned in book Padmavat written by Jayasi)
Greatest achievement of Khilji was conquest of Deccan & Far south till Pandya kingdom of Madurai > By Kafur (slave of Khilji who conquered Devagiri, Warrangal, Hoysala & Madurai)

Art & Culture

Patronized poets like Amir Khusro & Amir Hasan
Built famous gateway known as Alai Darwaja (Entrance of Qutub Minar)
Constructed a new capital at Siri (Delhi)

The Khilji Dynasty was the second ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, known for its military conquests, market reforms, and defense against Mongol invasions. It marked a period of aggressive expansion and administrative innovation in medieval India.

🔑 Key Features:

Founder:
- Jalal-ud-din Khilji (1290–1296) – A moderate ruler who came to power after overthrowing the last ruler of the Slave Dynasty.
Most Notable Ruler:
- Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316) – Most powerful ruler of the dynasty
  - Military Expansion: Conquered Gujarat, Malwa, Ranthambore, Chittor, and extended authority into the Deccan
  - Mongol Defense: Repelled several Mongol invasions
  - Market Reforms: Introduced price control measures for essential goods, regulated markets
  - Revenue System: Introduced measurement of land and direct collection of revenue
  - Maintained a strong spy network and strict law enforcement
Decline:
- After Alauddin’s death, weak successors like Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Shah and internal conspiracies led to the fall of the dynasty
- Ended when Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq overthrew the Khiljis in 1320

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