Khilji Dynasty

Jalaluddin Khilji was the founder of the Khilji dynasty. He was killed by his son-in-law, Alauddin khilji who claimed the throne of Delhi after his demise.

Khilji Dynasty

The khilji dynasty was set up in 1290 by Jalaluddin Khilji and after 6 years, Alauddin khilji got the throne. The khilji dynasty declined after him and ended in 1320.

• Alauddin khilji

He ruled from 1296 to 1316 and during that time he passed 4 ordinances to be free from rebellions:

• He confiscated the properties of the nobles
• The sale of drugs and alcohol was banned
• He organized an intelligence system to keep an eye on the secret activities of nobles
• Social gatherings and festivals without the sultan's permission were not allowed

He used to maintain a large standing army at his disposal and used to pay them in cash. He introduced a system of Dagh (Branding of horses ) & Huliya (of soldiers) and started 4 markets in Delhi for:

• Grains
• Cloths, sugar, dry fruits, oil & butter
• Horses, slaves & cattle
• Miscellaneous commodities

Each of these markets was under the control of an officer called Shahna–i–Mandi. He also appointed secret agents known as Munhiyans to report the functioning of these markets directly to the Sultan. Sultan used to decide the prices of each commodity in these markets and if somebody was caught cheating they are met with severe punishments.

Alauddin Khilji was the first sultan to order the measurement of lands to collect land revenue in cash.



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• Military Campaign:

He raided Gujarat in 1299 and brought the queen and a Eunuch "Kafur" to Delhi. Kafur was later made the Malik Naib (Military commander). He raided Chittor where he was met with Raja Ratan Singh who fought valiantly but got defeated. After the defeat of Raja Ratan Singh, Rani Padmini performed Jauhar (self-immolation) along with other women.

His greatest achievement was the conquest of Deccan and far south till the Pandya Kingdom of Madurai. This was achieved by Kafur who conquered Devagiri, Warrangal, Hoysala & Madurai.

• Art & Culture:

He patronized poets like Amir Khusro & Amir Hasan. The famous gateway known as Alai Darwaja (Entrance of Qutub Minar) was built during his reign and he also constructed a new capital at Siri (Delhi).