Khilji Dynasty
The Khilji Dynasty was the second ruling house of the Delhi Sultanate, founded by Jalaluddin Khilji in 1290 CE after overthrowing the last ruler of...
The Khilji Dynasty was the second ruling house of the Delhi Sultanate, founded by Jalaluddin Khilji in 1290 CE after overthrowing the last ruler of the Slave Dynasty. It is known for its military expansion, economic reforms, and measures to strengthen central authority.
Major Rulers
1. Jalaluddin Khilji (1290–1296 CE)
- Founder of the dynasty; came to power by ending the Turkish monopoly in nobility.
- Adopted a policy of mildness and avoided harsh punishments.
- Faced Mongol invasions and resisted them successfully.
- Assassinated by his ambitious nephew, Alauddin Khilji.
2. Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316 CE)
- Most powerful Khilji ruler; known for military conquests and administrative reforms.
- Military Campaigns:
- Defeated Mongol invasions multiple times.
- Expanded Sultanate to Gujarat, Ranthambore, Mewar, Malwa, Devagiri, Warangal, Dwarasamudra, and Madurai.
- Sent Malik Kafur to lead southern expeditions.
- Administrative Reforms:
- Market control measures — fixed prices for goods, regulated supply.
- Established state granaries to prevent famine.
- Strengthened spy system.
- Prohibited consumption of liquor and social gatherings of nobles without permission.
- Military Reforms:
- Large standing army.
- Payment in cash instead of land grants.
- Introduction of Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive rolls of soldiers).
3. Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah (1316–1320 CE)
- Son of Alauddin Khilji; relaxed his father’s strict measures.
- Killed by his general Khusro Khan, ending Khilji rule.
Features of Khilji Rule
- Ended monopoly of Turkish nobles — opened administration to non-Turks.
- Expanded Sultanate to its greatest territorial extent until then.
- Focused on economic control and preventing hoarding.
Decline
- Alauddin’s death led to political instability.
- Weak successors and internal conspiracies.
- Overthrown by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1320 CE.
Cultural & Architectural Contributions
- Development of Indo-Islamic architecture.
- Alai Darwaza (Delhi), Siri Fort.
- Patronage of Persian literature.
Bihar Relevance
- Bihar was under firm Sultanate control; Alauddin’s revenue reforms applied to eastern provinces.
- Trade from Bengal to Delhi passed through Bihar.
Current Affairs (till Aug 2025)
- ASI restoration of Alai Darwaza and Siri Fort in Delhi.
- Heritage studies on routes of Malik Kafur’s campaigns.
PYQs (BPSC)
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2016): Which ruler introduced Dagh and Chehra? → Alauddin Khilji
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2014): Who built Alai Darwaza? → Alauddin Khilji
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2011): Who was the first non-Turk Sultan of Delhi? → Jalaluddin Khilji
Expected MCQs
📝 Which Khilji ruler defeated Mongols multiple times? → Alauddin Khilji
📝 Malik Kafur was general of which ruler? → Alauddin Khilji
📝 Who ended the Turkish monopoly over Delhi Sultanate nobility? → Jalaluddin Khilji
Quick Revision Points
- Period: 1290–1320 CE.
- Founders: Jalaluddin Khilji, succeeded by Alauddin Khilji.
- Alauddin: Military expansion, market reforms, anti-hoarding laws.
- Decline due to weak successors; replaced by Tughlaq Dynasty.
One-Page Rapid Revision Summary
The Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320 CE) strengthened the Delhi Sultanate through territorial expansion, administrative reforms, and strong defence against Mongols. Alauddin Khilji’s rule was marked by southern conquests, market regulation, and military reforms. However, after his death, the dynasty weakened and fell to Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1320.