1.Who were known as Delhi Sulthanate?

The five dynasties which found subsequently after the Turkish invasion were collectively known as Delhi Sulthanate. The muslim rulers were known as Delhi Sultans, as they made Delhi their capital. Five different dynasties ruled from 1206 AD to 1526 AD. They are as follows.

1. Slave dynasty — 1206 — 1290

2. Khilji dynasty  — 1290 — 1320

3. Tughluq dynasty — 1320 — 1412

4. Sayyid dynasty — 1414 — 1451

5. Lodi dynasty — 1451 — 1456

2.Briefly explain the greatness of Balban?

Balban was the most famous Sultan among the slave rulers. He was a slave water carrer, huntsman, noble, statesman became the sultan of Delhi in 1266 and continued in power till 1286 AD. Balban described himself as 'shodow of God' or the 'vice regent of god on Earth'. He took measures to protect the kingdom from Mangol invasions. The Chalisa or forty established by Ilthumish was abolished by Balban. He repaired the old forts and new ones were built and put them under the charge of trusted military officers. Balban converted a vast forest area into agricultural land. He started the Iranian system of Sajda and Piabos. He was a patron of men of letters and showed special favour to the poet Amirkhusrau. Madhavacharya of the Dwaita philosophy got help from Balban. Balban created awe and respect to sultanate.

3.Write about the Southern conquests of Ala-ud-din Khilji.

Ala-ud-din khilji was a great Sultan among the khiljis. He send his commander, Malik kaffur, against the south Indian kingdoms. He defeated the Yadavas, Kakatiyas, Hoyasalas and Pandyas who agreed to pay tribute to the sultan. Thus along with extension of his kingdom, he got money also. Either directly or indirectly Islamic state was extended to north and south.

4.Write a short note about Ala-ud-din khilji?

Ala-ud-din khilji was the most famous ruler of the khilji dynasty. His early name was Ali Gurushap. He came to the throne in 1296 after killing Jalaluddin khilji. Ala-ud-din khilji was the first muslim ruler to attack South India. Malik Kaffur was his commander who attacked south India. Ala-ud-din was the Sultan of Delhi who banned the use of liquor. In 1303 Ale attacked Chittor, the capital of Merwar, to marry Padmini the wife of Chitoor king Ratna Singh. He abolished Zamindar system and imposed tax on cattle. He introduced measurement of land for tax assessment. Ala-ud-din khilji was the first sultan of Delhi  who separated religion from politics. His market regulations were to get good at controlled price to the people of Delhi. He built the city of Siri, the second of the seven cities of Delhi, near QutubMinar. He had a dream of a world conquest so he assumed the title 'Sikhandari-i- Sani' or second Alexander. He ruled till 1316 AD. Ala-ud-din khilji was killed by his commander Malikkafur by poisoning.

5.Why did Muhammed-bin-Tughluq change his capital?

Muhammed -bin-Tughluq was a learned Sultan and had a number of good qualities. Tughluq's kingdom consisted of a vast and stretching from the Himalayas to Madhura in the south. He thought of having a capital in the middle of the kingdom and hence shifted  from Delhi to Devagiri or Daulatabad in 1327. But he transferred it back to Delhi as he faced a number of problems. In this process men and material were wasted.

6.Mention the causes for the full of Delhi sultanate?

The fall of Delhi sultanate started with Muhammad-bin-Tughluq. He wasted a lot of money for his unsuccessful schemes. They could not establish a permanent centralised administration. The sultanate became weak due to repeated Mangol invasions also. The economic and military strength totally  collapsed with Timur's invasion. All these are led to the cause for the fall of Delhi sultanate. Muhammad-bin-Tughluq is considered as the single most responsible person for the decline of Delhi sultanate.

7.What is Iqta system?

The sultans divided their kingdom into a number of 'Iqtas'. It was headed by a military officer known as 'Mukti'. His administration was like that at the centre. Out of the income from the Iqta be had to maintain the army, meet the general expenditure of it and remit the balance to the sultan. The Iqtas were divided into 'Shiqus' which were divided into parganas in the 14th century.

8.Mention the economic system of Delhi Sulthanate?

The economic position of the Sulthanate was sound Balban, for the first time brought more land under cultivation by cutting the forests. Ala-ud-din khilji regulated the market prices and prevented inflation. This measure helped the people and the army. Muhammed -bin-Tughlaq carried on a number of experiments to increase agricultural production. In the field of currency, copper coins were introduced in 1329. A number of industries were established by the sultanate. Thousands of people and artisans got employment in them. Silk and cotton were exported. In return they got gold.

9.How was the society under Delhi Sultanate?

Hindus were the majority and muslims were the minority during this period. There was no proper understanding between them in those days. There was Shias and Sunnis among the muslims. The entire nobility consisted of muslims . Most of sultan were puppets in the hands of the vlemas except Ala-ud-din khilji and Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq. Women were looked down in the society. Purdah system prevailed among muslims. Even Hindu women of the royal and noble families followed this custom. 'Sati' was practised by certain communities.

10.Write about the military organisation of Ala-ud-din khilji.

Alaud-din-khilji was the first sultan to maintain a permanent standing Army.  The sultans kept some army at their disposal. Diwani Ariz was in charge of it. They recruited some army at the time of wars. Besides their army, a religious war was declared, some muslims voluntarily joined the military. Ala-ud-din khilji gave the army not only salaries but also descriptive ranks. The sultan's army consisted of cavalry, elephant and infantry.