1. Mahmud Ghaznavi’s famous Battle of Vaihind (also known as the Battle of Peshawar) took place in 1008–09 CE against Anandpal, son of Jaipal, of the Hindu Shahi dynasty. Anandpal attempted to form a united front of various Rajput chiefs to stop Mahmud’s expansionist raids. Although the Indian forces iRead more

    Mahmud Ghaznavi’s famous Battle of Vaihind (also known as the Battle of Peshawar) took place in 1008–09 CE against Anandpal, son of Jaipal, of the Hindu Shahi dynasty. Anandpal attempted to form a united front of various Rajput chiefs to stop Mahmud’s expansionist raids. Although the Indian forces initially fought with determination, internal disputes and lack of coordinated strategy crippled their resistance. Mahmud’s disciplined cavalry, superior military organization and effective battlefield tactics ensured a decisive victory. This battle significantly weakened the Hindu Shahi kingdom and opened the route for Mahmud’s further expeditions into the Indian subcontinent.

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  2. Alauddin Khalji introduced major military reforms by raising a large, fully salaried standing army under direct state control. This step was necessary due to frequent Mongol attacks and his need to assert authority over rebellious chiefs. He implemented the dagh (branding of horses) and chehra (descRead more

    Alauddin Khalji introduced major military reforms by raising a large, fully salaried standing army under direct state control. This step was necessary due to frequent Mongol attacks and his need to assert authority over rebellious chiefs. He implemented the dagh (branding of horses) and chehra (descriptive rolls of soldiers) systems to eliminate fraud in the army. Soldiers were paid in cash, a major administrative innovation for the time. Unlike earlier sultans, who relied mainly on feudal levies, Alauddin’s professional and disciplined military force strengthened the Delhi Sultanate remarkably and allowed him to expand his empire efficiently.

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  3. Alauddin Khalji implemented wide-ranging economic and military reforms to strengthen the Sultanate. He fixed prices of essential commodities such as grains, textiles and daily goods to prevent inflation and reduce the cost of maintaining a large standing army. He was the first Delhi Sultan to introdRead more

    Alauddin Khalji implemented wide-ranging economic and military reforms to strengthen the Sultanate. He fixed prices of essential commodities such as grains, textiles and daily goods to prevent inflation and reduce the cost of maintaining a large standing army. He was the first Delhi Sultan to introduce direct cash payments to soldiers, ensuring loyalty and eliminating irregularities associated with jagir assignments. Furthermore, he increased the land revenue share to approximately half of the agricultural produce, significantly boosting the state’s fiscal resources. Together, these measures enhanced central authority, stabilized the economy and facilitated the maintenance of a powerful military machine.

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  4. Khizr Khan Syed, founder of the Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451), came to power after Timur’s devastating invasion of India. Timur appointed him as the governor of Multan and later allowed him to extend his authority over Delhi. Even after establishing his dynasty, Khizr Khan continued to acknowledge theRead more

    Khizr Khan Syed, founder of the Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451), came to power after Timur’s devastating invasion of India. Timur appointed him as the governor of Multan and later allowed him to extend his authority over Delhi. Even after establishing his dynasty, Khizr Khan continued to acknowledge the suzerainty of Timur’s successor, Mirza Shahrukh, as a gesture of legitimacy. He refrained from using the royal title “Sultan” and instead ruled as a vassal, sending regular tributes to the Timurid court. His reign marks a period when Delhi’s authority was weak and heavily dependent on external political recognition.

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  5. Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517) was notable not only as a capable ruler but also as a poet. Writing in refined Persian, he used the pen name ‘Gulrukhi.’ His compositions contributed to the literary richness of the period. Sikandar Lodi supported scholars, promoted learning, established new towns such as ARead more

    Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517) was notable not only as a capable ruler but also as a poet. Writing in refined Persian, he used the pen name ‘Gulrukhi.’ His compositions contributed to the literary richness of the period. Sikandar Lodi supported scholars, promoted learning, established new towns such as Agra and introduced various administrative reforms. He standardized weights and measures, improved the revenue system and encouraged cultivation. His interest in arts and literature set him apart from many previous sultans. His poetic works reflect the intellectual vibrancy of the Lodi period and demonstrate his sophisticated understanding of culture and aesthetics.

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