Delhi: 12th to 15th Century

Notes on Delhi: 12th to 15th Century

Introduction to Delhi’s Emergence

• Delhi was not a noteworthy political center before the 12th century; it gained prominence as the capital of the Tomara Rajput dynasty.
• The Chauhans defeated the Tomaras in the mid-12th century, enhancing Delhi’s role as a commercial hub and influential city.

Key Dynasties

• Tomaras (Early 12th century until 1165)
• Chauhans (1165 until 1192)
• Delhi Sultanate (founded in 1206, ruling various dynasties):
  • Qutbuddin Aybak (1206 – 1210)
  • Khalji Dynasty
  • Tughluq Dynasty
  • Sayyid Dynasty
  • Lodi Dynasty

Literature and Historical Records

• Persian became the dominant language for administration under the Sultans, with authors noting events and advising rulers.
• The ‘circle of justice’ explained the governance framework: it represented mutual dependency between peasants, soldiers, and the king, emphasizing justice in leadership as essential for stability.

Gender Roles and Politics

• The notion of birthright privileges hindered women’s governance opportunities. Female rulers faced criticism and were often viewed as undermining the societal order, exemplified by Raziyya Sultan’s reign (1236 – 1240) versus other historical queens like Rudramadevi.
• Scholars such as Minhaj-us-Siraj reflected a patriarchal view opposing women’s authority, raising discussions about moral and social hierarchies.

Administrative Changes

• Early rulers utilized slaves, educated for military service, as trusted governors, contrasting with the hereditary aristocracy for governance roles.
• Client systems emerged, whereby patrons led loyal individuals to higher positions, fostering both loyalty and instability as they often did not stay loyal to their successors.

taxation and Revenue Collection

• The Khaljis and Tughluqs standardized the collection of taxes:
  • Khums: 50% on cultivation.
  • Zakat: alms tax collected alongside land tax.
  • Jizyah: tax on non-Muslims.
• Revenue assessments were central to stabilizing the Sultanate’s political hold, with rigorous control measures over tax collection.

Military and Defense

• Delhi faced invasions, notably from the Mongols, prompting extensive military organization and mobilization under Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughluq. This highlighted the need for efficient administrative strategies to defend the Sultanate.

Conclusion

• By the 15th century, local rule expanded, leading to a fragmentation of power in regions like Bengal and Rajputana while new groups like the Afghans rose in prominence. The administrative legacy influenced future empires, notably the Mughals.

1. Delhi's ascendancy began in the 12th century, becoming a capital under the Chauhans.
2. The Delhi Sultanate was established in 1206, with several dynasties ruling until the 15th century.
3. Persian served as the official administration language, with focus on record-keeping.
4. The ‘circle of justice’ emphasized the interdependence of king, soldiers, and peasants for stable governance.
5. Gender roles were strictly defined, with limited acceptance for female rulers like Raziyya.
6. Governance favoring slaves and clients over aristocrats created unique political dynamics.
7. The taxation system was centralized, with revenues integral to maintaining military and administrative control.
8. The Mongol invasions prompted military strategies to protect the Sultanate.
9. As the 15th century approached, political fragmentation emerged, leading to independent regional powers.