Study Guide · Chapter 16
3.5 Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526 CE) — Last Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate
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3.5 Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526 CE) — Last Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate
- First (and only) Afghan (Pashtun) dynasty to rule Delhi (previous dynasties were Turkish).
Bahlul Lodi (1451–1489 CE) — founder; consolidated Delhi Sultanate territory; brought many Afghan nobles into administration.
Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517 CE)
- Able administrator; founded the city of Agra (1504 CE), which later became a major Mughal capital.
- Standardized revenue measurement (the "Gaz-i-Sikandari" — a standard measuring yard for land).
- Patron of learning; also known for a stricter, sometimes intolerant religious policy towards Hindus in some accounts.
- Compiled a book of Ayurvedic medicine translated from Sanskrit to Persian (Tibb-i-Sikandari / Farhang-i-Sikandari, associated works).
Ibrahim Lodi (1517–1526 CE)
- Last Sultan of Delhi; autocratic, arrogant ruler; alienated many Afghan nobles.
- Daulat Khan Lodi (Governor of Punjab) and Rana Sanga (Rajput ruler of Mewar) reportedly invited Babur (ruler of Kabul, a Timurid/Chagatai Turk prince) to invade India due to dissatisfaction with Ibrahim Lodi.
- Defeated and killed by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE) — marks the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.
Delhi Sultanate — General Administrative & Revenue Terms (Common in exams)
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sultan | Supreme ruler; head of state and religion (nominal deputy of the Caliph in early period) |
| Iqta | Land/territorial assignment given to nobles (Iqtadars/Muqtis) in lieu of salary, in return for military/administrative service |
| Iqtadar/Muqti | Holder of an Iqta |
| Wazir | Prime Minister; headed the Diwan-i-Wizarat (finance department) |
| Diwan-i-Arz | Military department (established/strengthened by Balban, expanded by Alauddin Khalji) |
| Diwan-i-Insha | Department of royal correspondence |
| Diwan-i-Risalat | Department of religious affairs/appeals (varies by source) |
| Naib | Deputy of the Sultan (very powerful post at times, e.g., under weak rulers) |
| Sadr-us-Sudur | Head of religious/charitable endowments |
| Qazi-ul-Quzat | Chief Qazi (judge) |
| Barid | Intelligence/spy officer |
| Muhtasib | Officer of public morals/market supervision |
| Kharaj | Land tax on Hindu peasants |
| Jizya | Tax on non-Muslims (in lieu of military service) |
| Zakat | Tax on Muslims (obligatory charity, 2.5% of wealth) |
| Khalisa land | Crown land, revenue directly to the Sultan's treasury |
Sultanate Architecture — Key Monuments
| Monument | Built by / Period |
|---|---|
| Qutub Minar & Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque | Started by Qutbuddin Aibak, completed by Iltutmish |
| Adhai Din ka Jhonpra (Ajmer) | Qutbuddin Aibak |
| Alai Darwaza, Siri Fort, Hauz Khas | Alauddin Khalji |
| Tughlaqabad Fort | Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq |
| Firoz Shah Kotla | Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
| Lodi Gardens tombs | Lodi rulers |
Key Facts / Quick Revision Points — Sayyid & Lodi
- Sayyid dynasty founded by Khizr Khan (1414); weakest dynasty.
- Lodi dynasty — only Afghan dynasty; founded by Bahlul Lodi (1451).
- Sikandar Lodi founded Agra (1504); Gaz-i-Sikandari (standard measurement).
- Ibrahim Lodi defeated & killed by Babur at First Battle of Panipat, 1526 CE — end of Delhi Sultanate, start of Mughal rule.
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