Alauddin Khalji was the first Sultan to maintain a large, permanent standing army directly under the state. He expanded it to protect India from Mongol invasions and enforce his administrative reforms. He paid soldiers in cash and introduced branding of ...
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The Battle of Vaihind (1008–09) was fought between Mahmud Ghaznavi and Anandpal, the Hindu Shahi ruler. Anandpal organized several Rajput chiefs to resist Mahmud’s advance, but internal disunity weakened the confederacy. Mahmud’s superior cavalry and tactics led to his victory, ...
Alberuni’s full name was Abu Raihan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni. A renowned Persian polymath, he visited India during Mahmud Ghaznavi’s reign. He mastered several sciences, including astronomy, mathematics, linguistics and geography. His work Kitab-ul-Hind reflects his deep interest in Indian ...
Mubarak Shah Khalji of the Khalji Dynasty declared himself the Caliph, claiming supreme religious and political authority. This was unusual because Indian Sultans usually sought legitimacy from the Abbasid Caliphs. Mubarak Shah’s proclamation reflected his ambition to elevate his status ...
Iltutmish was one of the most prominent rulers of the Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty. He consolidated the Delhi Sultanate after Qutbuddin Aibak’s death and completed several major administrative reforms. Iltutmish also introduced the Iqtadari system and ...