NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 3 the Delhi Sultans notes.

Chapter-3: The Delhi Sultans

These NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 3 notes explain the rise and expansion of the Delhi Sultanate in medieval India. The chapter describes how Delhi became the political centre of North India and how Turkish rulers established a strong administrative system.

The Delhi Sultans introduces important dynasties like the Slave, Khalji, Tughluq, Sayyid and Lodi dynasties. It also explains key administrative concepts such as iqta, muqti, diwan and the role of court historians through Tawarikh.

This chapter helps students understand how centralised rule developed in medieval India and how administration and military control were managed.

1. Introduction

  • The Delhi Sultanate marked the beginning of Turkish rule in North India.
  • From 1206 CE to 1526 CE, Delhi became the main political centre of the subcontinent.
  • Control over Delhi meant control over trade routes, revenue and administration.
  • The Sultanate laid the foundation of a centralised political system.
  • It played a major role in shaping medieval Indian history.

2. Delhi before the Sultans

  • Delhi became politically important in the 12th century.
  • The Tomara Rajputs were among the early rulers of Delhi.
  • Ananga Pala was an important ruler of the Tomara dynasty.
  • The Chauhans (Chahamanas) of Ajmer later controlled Delhi.
  • Prithviraj Chauhan (1175–1192 CE) was a powerful Chauhan ruler.
  • Coins minted in Delhi were known as Dehliwal.

3. Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate

  • The Delhi Sultanate was established in 1206 CE.
  • It began after the death of Muhammad Ghori.
  • Qutbuddin Aibak became the first Sultan of Delhi.
  • The capital of the Sultanate was Delhi.
  • This event marked a new phase in Indian political history.

4. Dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE)

  • The Slave Dynasty (1206–1290) included rulers like Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish, Raziya Sultana and Ghiyasuddin Balban.
  • The Khalji Dynasty (1290–1320) was ruled by Jalaluddin Khalji and Alauddin Khalji.
  • The Tughluq Dynasty (1320–1414) included Ghiyasuddin Tughluq, Muhammad bin Tughluq and Firuz Shah Tughluq.
  • The Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451) was founded by Khizr Khan.
  • The Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526) began with Bahlul Lodi.
  • The Sultanate ended with the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi in 1526 CE.

5. Administration of the Delhi Sultanate

  • Land assignments given for salary were called Iqtas.
  • The holder of an iqta was known as Muqti or Iqtadar.
  • Diwan-i-Wizarat managed revenue and financial matters.
  • Diwan-i-Arz was responsible for military administration.
  • Revenue was collected mainly from peasants.
  • Soldiers were paid through revenue collected from land.

6. Court historians and sources

  • Historical accounts of the Sultanate are called Tawarikh.
  • These texts were written in Persian.
  • Authors included court officials, poets and administrators.
  • The main purpose was to praise the Sultan and his rule.
  • Tawarikh also advised rulers on governance.
  • These sources mainly focused on rulers and nobles, ignoring common people.

7. Balban’s theory of kingship

  • Ghiyasuddin Balban ruled from 1266–1287 CE.
  • He believed the Sultan was the shadow of God on Earth.
  • Balban introduced strict court discipline.
  • Nobles were expected to show complete loyalty to the Sultan.
  • Kingship was based on authority and fear.
  • This idea is known as Divine Kingship.

8. Control over provinces

  • Provinces of the Sultanate were called Iqtas.
  • Governors controlled revenue administration known as Diwani.
  • They also managed military affairs called Faujdari.
  • Over time, governors became very powerful.
  • Later Sultans found it difficult to control them.
  • Weak provincial control contributed to instability.

9. Delhi as a capital city

  • Several cities were built around Delhi by different rulers.
  • Important cities included Dehli-i-Kuhna, Siri and Jahanpanah.
  • Architectural developments flourished under the Sultans.
  • Important monuments include Qutb Minar and Alai Darwaza.
  • Many mosques and tombs were constructed.
  • Delhi emerged as a major political and cultural centre.

10. Key dates and facts

  • 1206 CE marks the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Alauddin Khalji ruled between 1296–1316 CE.
  • Muhammad bin Tughluq ruled from 1324–1351 CE.
  • The Sultanate lasted for more than three centuries.
  • 1526 CE marks the end of the Delhi Sultanate.

11. Important keywords

  • Sultan refers to the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Iqta means land assigned for salary.
  • Muqti was the holder of an iqta.
  • Tawarikh were Persian historical chronicles.
  • Diwan refers to a government department.
  • Faujdari relates to military administration.
  • Divine kingship means rule based on God’s authority.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 3 is essential to learn how the Delhi Sultanate governed large territories and maintained control through administration and military organisation. The chapter also explains the ideas of kingship, revenue collection and provincial control in medieval India.

The concepts discussed in The Delhi Sultans provide a clear picture of early medieval governance and are highly useful for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

Continue reading NCERT Class 7 History Chapter 4 – The Mughal Empire to understand how a powerful and more organised empire replaced the Delhi Sultanate.

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FAQs

Q1. What is the time period of the Delhi Sultanate?
The Delhi Sultanate ruled from 1206 CE to 1526 CE.

Q2. Who was the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
Qutbuddin Aibak was the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

Q3. What was an iqta?
An iqta was land assigned to officials for salary instead of cash payment.

Q4. What were Tawarikh?
Tawarikh were Persian historical chronicles written by court historians.

Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It explains medieval administration and political history, making it important for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

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