Khilji Dynasty - Background, Major Rulers, Policies, War & Conquests, Administration, Architecture & More

Khilji Dynasty was the second ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. It was established by Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji by overthrowing the Slave dynasty. The Khilji Dynasty ruled for around 30 years (1290-1320) but was responsible for many long-term reforms. Alauddin Khilji was the most powerful ruler of the Khilji dynasty, who led many successful military campaigns and led many reforms as well.

In this article, we will discuss in detail each and every aspect of the Khilji dynasty, including its history, administration, important rulers of the Khilji Dynasty, policies and architecture. The Khilji dynasty is a very important topic for the UPSC IAS exam and is covered under the Indian History section of the General Studies Paper-1 (Mains) Syllabus. 

Origin of Khilji Dynasty

The Khilji Dynasty ruled parts of South Asia from 1290 to 1320.

• Jalaluddin Khilji founded it after overthrowing the last ruler of the Slave Dynasty.
• The most prominent ruler of the dynasty was Ala-ud-din Khilji. He was known for his military conquests and administrative reforms.
  • He expanded the empire through successful military campaigns against various kingdoms.
• The Khiljis established a centralized administration. They introduced new revenue systems and implemented strict market regulations.
  • They maintained a strong military and implemented policies to strengthen internal security.
• The dynasty's rule witnessed significant cultural and architectural developments. Their architecture was a blend of Persian, Turkish, and Indian influences.
• Despite their military successes, the Khiljis faced many challenges. This includes the Mongol invasions and internal revolts.
• The dynasty came to an end in 1320 with the assassination of Sultan Khusro Khan. It led to the establishment of the Tughlaq Dynasty.

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Khilji Dynasty: Rise to Power

Khiljis earlier served as the subordinate of the slave dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.

• Gayasuddin Balban destroyed the noble group ‘’Chalisa’’ to consolidate his power over the nobility.
• This served as the perfect opportunity for the Khiljis, who thereafter strengthened their position in the nobility of Delhi.
• Jalaluddin Khilji was appointed as the Ariz-i-Mumalik by the Ilbari Sultan Kaikubad.
• Jalaluddin’s powers gradually increased, and he finally murdered Kaikubad (the last Mamluk Ruler) during the ‘Khilji Revolution’ and established the Khilji dynasty.

The Khilji Dynasty map provides insight into the territories controlled by the Khilji rulers during their reign.

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Notable Rulers of Khilji Dynasty

The below mentioned are some of the prominent rulers of Khilji Dynasty:

Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji (1290-1296)

• He was the first ruler and the founder of Khilji dynasty.
• Jalaluddin killed Kaikobad and deposed Kayumarsd to become the Sultan of Delhi.
• He made ‘Kilokhari’ his capital and never sat on the throne of Delhi.
• The invasion of Devgiri was one of the most important events of his reign.
• He was a peace-loving person, but this policy of his is disliked by the Turkic nobels.
• He was murdered by his son-in-law Alauddin Khilji in 1296.

Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316)

• Alauddin was the most powerful ruler of the Khilji Dynasty.
• His real name was Ali Gurshasp, and he held the title of Sikandar-e-Sani.
• His reign marked the rise of Indian Muslims to higher ranks in Delhi.
• Jalaluddin appointed him the governor of Kara in 1292.
• Alauddin called himself the deputy of Khalifa and followed the divine theory of kingship.
• Alauddin was the first Muslim ruler to extend his Empire up to the extreme south of the Indian subcontinent.
• Alauddin Khilji was the first Sultan of Delhi who ordered land measurements and tax collection based on land measurements.
• Land revenue was collected in cash only.
• Alauddin Khilji also led many successful military campaigns all over India on the back of his able military generals, including Nusrat Khan, Ulugh Khan and Malik Kafur. The military campaigns are discussed later in this article. Alauddin also successfully defended Delhi from Mongolian vision 12 times.
• Alauddin Khilji died in January 1316.

Later rulers of Khilji dynasty

After the death of Alauddin Khilji, the Khilji dynasty was under chaos and constant fighting and a war of succession.

• Malik Kafur placed Alauddin Khilji’s 6-year-old son Shihabuddin Umar on the throne and became the Regent.
• Malik Kafur was soon killed by the conspiring nobles along with Shahabuddin Umar.
• Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah, another son of Alauddin Khilji, became the next Sultan.
• Mubarak Shah named Ghazi Malik the army commander of Punjab.
• In 1320 Qutubuddin Mubarak Shah was murdered by Ghazi Malik, and thus, the Khilji dynasty came to an end.

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Wars and Conquest of Khilji Dynasty

States	Native King	Sultanate’s Commander(s)	Consequences
Gujarat (1298-99)	Rai Karan Solanki	Nusrat Khan and Ulugh Khan	Plunder of Somnath Temple Nusrat Khan purchased Hazar Dinari- Malik Kafur Alauddin married chief queen Kamla Devi
Ranthambhore (1301)	Rana Hammir Deva	Alauddin, Nusrat Khan, Ulugh Khan	Nusrat Khan died. Jauhar committed by women.
Chittor (1303)	Ratan Singh	Alauddin Khilji	Alauddin’s son Khijr Khan was made the governor of Chittor. Chittor was renamed Khijrabad.
Deogiri (1306-1307)	Ram Chandra Dev	Malik Kafur	Alauddin married Ramchandra’s daughter. Ramchandra dev was given the title of Rai Raiyan
Warangal (1309-1310)	Pratap Rudra Deva-2 of Kakatiya dynasty	Malik Kafur	Pratap Rudra gave Kohinoor diamond to Malik Kafur King agreed to pay annual tribute to Alauddin
Dwarsamund (Hoysala) (1310)	Vir Ballal-3	Malik Kafur	King agreed to pay annual tribute to Alauddin
Madurai (1311)	Vir Pandya And Sundar Pandya	Malik Kafur	Devastation of Natrajan Temple at Chidambaram

Also, read about Bhakti and Sufi Movements here!

Domestic Policies of Alauddin Khilji

Alauddin Khilji was the powerful ruler of the Khilji dynasty. He led successful military campaigns and carried out extensive administrative and domestic reforms. Fear of rebellion prompted him to introduce major policy changes and centralize power in his hands. Domestic policies under Alauddin Khilji can be classified into the following categories:

Administrative Measures

• Prohibition of liquor and intoxicants.
• Parties and marriages among nobles without the Sultan's permission were forbidden.
• Confiscation of jagirs and pensions, revoking religious endowments and land grants.

Agrarian/Revenue Reforms

• Introduction of Biswa as the standard unit of measurement for cultivable land.
• Fixing land revenue (Kharaj) at half of the produce.
• Direct contact with cultivators, curbing middlemen.
• Establishment of a new revenue department, Diwan-e- Mustakhraj.

Market Control

• Establishment of separate markets for different goods, controlled by Diwan-i-Riyasat and Shahna-i-Mandi.
• Registration of merchants with the state.
• Strict regulations against hoarding and unfair practices.
• Stockpiling of food grains by the state for emergencies.

Military Reforms

• Introduction of cash payment for soldiers. 
• Direct recruitment of soldiers by the military commander, Ariz-e-Mamlik.
• Implementation of horse branding (Daag) and soldier description (Huliya).
• Classification of soldiers into three grades based on their equipment and horses.
  • Foot Soldier
  • Soldiers with one horse (ek-aspa).
  • Soldiers with two horses (do-aspa).

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Life under Khilji Dynasty

Although the Khilji Dynasty ruled for only 30 years. But the socio-cultural and administrative setup established during the time of this dynasty deeply influenced all the upcoming regional states and also the mighty Mughal empire. Life under the Khilji Dynasty can be classified under the following heads:

Art

• Alauddin Khilji built a new fort in Delhi called the Siri Fort.
• He also enlarged the Qutbi mosque and built a grand gateway.
• Jamiat Khana Masjid and the tomb of Nizamuddin Auliya were also constructed by Alauddin Khilji.
• Alauddin Khilji also started the construction of Alai Minar, but it was not completed.

Architecture

The Khilji dynasty had a distinct architectural style. It was a blend of Persian, Turkish, and Indian influences. 

• The Khilji dynasty's architecture combined Islamic architectural elements with Indian motifs. This resulted in a unique Indo-Islamic style.
• The dynasty constructed impressive mosques. This includes the iconic Alai Darwaza and the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Delhi. These mosques showcase intricate carvings, domes, and minarets.
• The Khiljis built strong fortifications to defend their territories. The Siri Fort in Delhi is known for its massive walls and fortified gates.
• The dynasty developed sprawling palace complexes with grand halls, courtyards, and gardens. The most famous among them is the Hauz Khas complex, which includes a royal residence, a mosque, and a water tank.
• The Khiljis built ornate tombs. They were often characterized by intricate geometric designs and calligraphic inscriptions. The most prominent example is the Alai Tomb, dedicated to Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji.
• The Agrasen ki Baoli in Delhi is an example of their innovative water conservation architecture.
• The Khilji architecture laid the foundation for future architectural styles in the region. It influenced the subsequent Sultanate and Mughal periods.

Literature

• Persian was the official language of the Khilji dynasty.
• Court chronicles featuring the stories of Sultans were an important feature of literature during the Sultanate period.
• Tahkik-i-Alai was written by Amir Khusrow. It was based on Alauddin Khilji.
• Khazain-ul-Fatuhat was a great work of Amir Khusrow, dealing with the Military conquests of Alauddin Khilji.

Religion

Sultans of the Khilji dynasty were followers of the Sunni Islam religion. Non-Muslims faced oppression and were liable to pay Jizya tax.

Indian Muslims also faced discrimination in general, but during the period of the Khilji Dynasty, Indian Muslims and converted Muslims rose to prominent positions.

Administration

The administration of the Khilji Dynasty was ahead of its times, and Alauddin Khilji was the chief architect of this scientifically designed administrative structure:

Central Administration

Sultan was the real administrator, and all the powers were centralized in him.

The Sultan was considered to be the deputy of God, and it was the duty of the Sultan to enforce the divine laws mentioned in the Holy Quran.

The following table describes departments under the central administration:

Judicial Department

The highest judicial authority of the Sultanate was the Sultan, although there was a separate judicial department named Diwan-e-Qaza, headed by an officer named Quazi.

Revenue Administration

The taxation policy of the Khilji Dynasty was based on the Hanafi School of thought, which prescribed five kinds of taxes:

Zakat

• Religious tax is paid by Muslims for the benefit and welfare of Muslims.
• The rate was 2.5% of the income on the property.

Kharaj

• Land revenue tax charred generally at the rate of ⅓ of the agricultural produce
• Payable in cash or kind (Alauddin Khilji only accepted payment in cash)

Khams

• Was the state’s share of the booty acquired during the course of the war.
• The rate was ⅕ of the war booty.

Jizya

• It was a tax levied on non-Muslims as a security tax.

Ushar

• It was the land tax that was only collected from the Muslim peasants.

The Iqta system was abolished by Alauddin Khilji, who also brought most of the Iqta land back to the Khalis land.

Provincial Administration

The provinces of the Sultanate were governed by the Viceroy known as Naib Sultans/Valis.

• Provinces were further subdivided as Shiqs under the leadership of Shiqdar.
• Shiqs were again subdivided into Parganas (a group of villages) headed by Amils. Faujdar was the law and order officer at the Pargana level.
• The village was the smallest unit of administration.
  • Khut, or Mukaddam, was the village headman.
  • Patwari was the village accountant.
• Viceroy was the executive, judicial and military head of his territory. He also maintained a local army that supported the Sultan if and when required.
• Viceroy also collected local tax and remitted the surplus tax to the Central administration.

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Market Reforms of Alauddin Khilji

Alauddin's efforts to regulate markets constituted a crucial policy initiative during his reign. His primary aim was to maintain a formidable army, which led him to fix and reduce prices of essential commodities. To achieve this, he established three distinct markets in Delhi: one for grains, another for textiles (known as Sarai Adl), and a market for horses, slaves, cattle, and other goods.

To ensure effective implementation, Alauddin appointed a market superintendent, known as Shahna-i-Mandi, who was aided by an intelligence officer. Additionally, the Sultan received daily market reports from two independent sources, the barid (intelligence officer) and munhiyans (secret spies).

Severe penalties, including expulsion from the capital, fines, imprisonment, and mutilation, awaited those who violated the Sultan's decrees. Maintaining reasonable horse prices was particularly critical for the Sultan to ensure the army's efficiency. To achieve this, he prohibited horse dealers and brokers (dalals) from purchasing horses in the Delhi market.

The Downfall of Khilji Dynasty

After the death of Alauddin Khilji in 1316, the Khilji Dynasty weakened and started disintegrating. The incompetent successors made the situation even worse, and the entire dynasty vanished within 4 years.

• Ghazi Malik, the subordinate of the last Khilji sultan Mubarak Shah, murdered him and captured the throne.
• Ghazi Malik assumed the title of ‘Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’ and established the Tughlaq dynasty in Delhi.

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Concluding Remarks

The Khilji dynasty time period was short termed (1290-1320). But during this short time period, the dynasty left a lasting impact on not only the socioeconomic and cultural aspects of India but also on the administrative aspects as well. Alauddin Khilji expanded the territorial boundary of the Sultanate to the southern state of Madurai. Alauddin also introduced various reforms which later on became the backbone of the revenue, market, and military administration of not only the later dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate but also for the Mughal and the Sur empire, along with the other independent regional kingdoms of the Indian Subcontinent.

Read this article on the Mamluk Dynasty here!

Khilji Dynasty- Previous Year Mains Questions

Q1. Discuss the importance of the Iqta system. How did it help in the centralization of the administration of the Delhi Sultanate? (UPSC 2021)

Q 2. Elaborate upon the agrarian reforms of Alauddin Khilji. (UPSC 2020)

Q 3. The economic measures of Alauddin Khilji were aimed at greater political control. Discuss.

Q 4. Critically examine the views of Balban, Ala-ud-din Khilji, and the Tughlaq on the nature of Kingship under the Delhi Sultanate.

Q 5. What were the aims of Alauddin Khilji behind the market regulations, and how far were they achieved?

Q 6. Critically examine the price control measures of Alauddin Khilji. What was the main objective behind them, and how far was he able to put them into effect?

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