Delhi Sultanate – Chronological and Era-Wise History of India

Delhi Sultanate – Chronological and Era-Wise History of India

---

Module-wise Breakdown of Lessons for Online Learning

---

In this Course, each Lesson under the Modules is divided into 4 Sections, as mentioned below:

• Study Module with Revision Notes,
• Questions with Answers,
• MCQs with Answers and detailed explanations.

---

This online learning course offers a comprehensive, chronological, and evidence-based understanding of the History of India, with special focus on controversial events, debates, and critical interpretations. Designed for both conceptual clarity and exam readiness, the course strengthens analytical thinking, source evaluation, and answer-writing skills required in competitive examinations.

The content is highly relevant for aspirants preparing for UPSC (CSE), State PSCs (APSC, UPPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, MPSC, WBCS, RPSC, TNPSC, etc.), UGC-NET/JRF, CUET (UG/PG), SSC, NDA, CDS, CAPF, as well as CBSE, ICSE, State Board examinations, and college/university undergraduate and postgraduate courses where History of India is a core subject.

---

Module 1: Foundation of the Delhi Sultanate

Timeline: c. 1206 CE – 1211 CE

Overview

This module introduces the political background of North India after the Turkish invasions and explains the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate as the first major Muslim state in India.

Key Characteristics

• Decline of Rajput political power
• Turkish military conquest and governance
• Establishment of Sultanate institutions

Lessons

1. Turkish Invasions: From Mahmud of Ghazni to Muhammad Ghori
2. Political Condition of India on the Eve of the Sultanate
3. Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate under Qutbuddin Aibak

---

Module 2: Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty

Timeline: c. 1206 CE – 1290 CE

Overview

This module studies the consolidation of the Sultanate under the Slave rulers and the creation of a stable administrative framework.

Key Characteristics

• Centralised monarchy
• Iqta system for revenue and military control
• Challenges from nobles and regional powers

Lessons

1. Slave Dynasty Rulers and Their Achievements
2. Iltutmish: Consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate
3. Nobility, Iqta System, and Administration
4. Razia Sultana and the Question of Gender and Power
5. Balban’s Theory of Kingship and Administration

---

Module 3: Khalji Dynasty

Timeline: c. 1290 CE – 1320 CE

Overview

This module focuses on the expansionist and reform-oriented policies of the Khaljis, marking a strong phase of Sultanate authority.

Key Characteristics

• Territorial expansion into South India
• Strong military and central control
• Economic and market reforms

Lessons

1. Rise of the Khalji Dynasty
2. Military Conquests of Alauddin Khalji
3. Market Control Policy and Price Regulations
4. Revenue Reforms and Military Organisation
5. Causes of the Decline of the Khalji Dynasty

---

Module 4: Tughlaq Dynasty

Timeline: c. 1320 CE – 1414 CE

Overview

This module analyses ambitious administrative experiments and their consequences during the Tughlaq period.

Key Characteristics

• Administrative innovations and failures
• Expansion followed by rapid decline
• Agrarian distress and revolts

Lessons

1. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and Administrative Reorganisation
2. Reforms of Muhammad bin Tughlaq: Objectives and Outcomes
3. Firoz Shah Tughlaq: Administration and Public Works
4. Causes of the Decline of the Tughlaq Dynasty

---

Module 5: Sayyid Dynasty

Timeline: c. 1414 CE – 1451 CE

Overview

This module examines the Sayyid rulers as a period of political weakness and regional fragmentation.

Key Characteristics

• Weak central authority
• Timurid invasion impact
• Rise of provincial rulers

Lessons

1. Timur’s Invasion and Its Impact on India
2. Sayyid Rulers and Administration
3. Political Fragmentation during the Sayyid Period

---

Module 6: Lodi Dynasty

Timeline: c. 1451 CE – 1526 CE

Overview

This module studies the Afghan Lodis, their attempts at consolidation, and the final collapse of the Delhi Sultanate.

Key Characteristics

• Afghan tribal polity
• Conflict between nobility and monarchy
• Military weakness

Lessons

1. Foundation of the Lodi Dynasty
2. Administration and Challenges under Sikandar Lodi
3. Ibrahim Lodi and the Decline of the Sultanate

---

Module 7: Administration and Polity of the Delhi Sultanate

Timeline: c. 1206 CE – 1526 CE

Overview

This thematic module provides a comprehensive understanding of the Sultanate’s administrative structure.

Key Characteristics

• Centralised bureaucracy
• Iqta and revenue system
• Military-based governance

Lessons

1. Nature of the Delhi Sultanate Polity
2. Central and Provincial Administration
3. Revenue System and Iqta Administration

---

Module 8: Society, Economy, and Religious Policy

Timeline: c. 1206 CE – 1526 CE

Overview

This module explores social composition, economic policies, and religious attitudes of the Sultanate rulers.

Key Characteristics

• Social hierarchy and urban society
• State–religion relations
• Trade and craft production

Lessons

1. Social Structure and Position of Different Communities
2. Religious Policy of the Delhi Sultans
3. Trade, Commerce, and Urban Economy

---

Module 9: Art, Architecture, and Indo-Islamic Culture

Timeline: c. 1206 CE – 1526 CE

Overview

This module highlights the cultural synthesis achieved during the Sultanate period.

Key Characteristics

• Indo-Islamic architectural style
• Persian cultural influence
• Development of new art forms

Lessons

1. Features of Indo-Islamic Architecture
2. Qutb Minar, Mosques, and Sultanate Architecture
3. Cultural Synthesis under the Delhi Sultanate

---

Module 10: Decline and Historical Significance of the Delhi Sultanate

Timeline: c. 15th–16th century CE

Overview

This concluding module analyses the decline of the Delhi Sultanate and its historical legacy.

Key Characteristics

• Administrative weaknesses
• Nobility conflicts and invasions
• Transition to Mughal rule

Lessons

1. Causes of the Decline of the Delhi Sultanate
2. Babur’s Invasion and End of the Sultanate
3. Historical Significance of the Delhi Sultanate in Indian History

---

✅ Course Outcome

After completing this course, learners will gain clear chronological understanding, conceptual clarity, and exam-oriented mastery of the Delhi Sultanate, making it ideal for CBSE/ICSE syllabi, undergraduate history courses, and competitive examinations (UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, CUET).