The Delhi Sultanate-II: Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320)
After that, we will move to the most important ruler – Alauddin Khilji. We will discuss Alauddin Khilji’s early life, military conquests, achievements, and reforms. You will also find a List of Victories in Chronological Order and Notes on all invasions during Alauddin Khilji’s rule. Important topics like Alauddin Khilji’s military reforms, market policies, and art & architecture of the Khilji period will be covered in detail.
One of the main sections of this post focuses on the Expedition of Khilji Dynasty, explaining how Alauddin expanded the empire through successful northern and southern campaigns. Finally, we will discuss the End of the Khilji Dynasty – Medieval India History Notes, explaining how the dynasty declined after Alauddin’s death.
So, if you are searching for Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320) – History, Rulers, Achievements, or preparing Medieval India History Notes, this complete guide will be very useful for school, college, and UPSC/SSC aspirants.
Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320): An Overview
The Khilji Dynasty formed the second ruling house of the Delhi Sultanate, lasting from 1290 to 1320 CE. Founded by Jalaluddin Khilji, it marked the transition from Turkish to Afghan rule in North India. While the period is remembered for territorial expansion, strong economic policies, and administrative innovations, it also saw a noticeable decline in artistic and architectural patronage, especially under Alauddin Khilji, who prioritized military strength and economic stability over cultural projects.
Founder: Jalaluddin Khilji (1290–1296 CE)
- Establishment of the Dynasty: Jalaluddin Khilji overthrew the last Mamluk ruler and came to power in 1290 CE.
- Governance Style: He followed a lenient and humane policy, avoiding harsh punishments and trying to rule with public consent.
- Approach to Religion: He recognized that India’s population was largely non-Muslim, and therefore believed it was not feasible to turn it into a purely Islamic state.
- Mongol Affairs: Maintained diplomatic relations and prevented further Mongol attacks in 1292 CE. Poet Amir Khusro recorded his achievements in Miftah-ul-Futuh.
- Death: In 1296 CE, his nephew and son-in-law Alauddin Khilji, then governor of Kara, assassinated him after returning from his successful Devagiri raid.
Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316 CE)
Alauddin Khilji emerged as the most influential ruler of the Khilji line, known for his wide-ranging reforms and military success.
Key Achievements
• Repelled Mongols multiple times, reinforcing Delhi’s security.
• Increased state revenue by raising land taxes and eliminating hereditary iqtas.
• Weakened nobility by confiscating jagirs and enforcing strict discipline.
• State Control Measures: Banned liquor and banned gatherings of nobles to prevent conspiracies.
Military Reforms
• First Sultan to maintain a large permanent standing army, paid in cash directly from the treasury.
• Introduced the Chehra (soldier identification) and Dagh (horse branding) systems to prevent corruption.
• His conquests included Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittor, Malwa, and the Deccan, making him the first Delhi Sultan to extend power deep into South India.
Market & Economic Reforms
To sustain the army, Alauddin fixed prices of daily essentials and set up separate markets supervised by officials:
| Type of Market | Name | Controlled by |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Market | Mandi | Shahna-i-Mandi |
| Cloth Market | Sarai Adl | Price-regulated |
| Horses, Slaves, Cattle | Special Market | Strict state control |
- The state monitored traders through Barids (intelligence agents) and Munhiyans (secret spies).
- A new department called Diwan-i-Riyasat managed all trade-related affairs.
- Horse dealers were barred from purchasing horses inside Delhi to keep prices in check.
Alauddin died in 1316 CE, after which the empire rapidly weakened due to succession disputes.
Art & Architecture of the Khilji Period
Although Alauddin invested heavily in military affairs, the era left notable architectural works influenced by Indo-Persian design:
| Structure | Significance |
|---|---|
| Siri City (1303 CE) | Second medieval city of Delhi, built as Alauddin’s capital |
| Alai Minar (1311 CE) | Planned to be double the height of Qutub Minar, but left incomplete |
| Alai Darwaza | Main gateway to the enlarged Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque; example of Persian-style arches |
| Jamaat Khana Mosque | Built by Khizr Khan; one of the earliest fully Islamic-style mosques |
| Hauz-i-Alai (1305 CE) | Massive water reservoir supplying Siri city |
| Madrasa–Tomb of Alauddin (1315 CE) | First complex in India combining a madrasa with a ruler’s tomb |
Allaudin Khilji was the most prominent leader of Khilji Dynasty. He was popular for his social construction and welfare policies. His real name was Ali Gurshasp. He attained many titles like Yamin-Ul-Khilafat, Nasir-e-amir-ul-momini and Sikander-e sani (second Sikander). He reconstructed the post of ruler (Sultan) during his rule. Jallaluddin Firoz Khilji during his rule granted Governorship (Subedari) Kadamanikpur to Allaudin and later he gave Governorship (Subedari) of Awadh and he even got the post of Ariz-e-Mamlik. Allaudin attacked Devagiri and looted all the wealth to strengthen his economic condition, after the conquest he became very ambitious. A conspiracy was hatched in Manikpur against Firoz Khilji. After Firoz Khilji’s death Ali Gurshap proclaimed himself as sultan of Manikpur in 1296 AD under the name of Allaudin Khilji. After becoming the sultan he killed entire family of Firoz Khilji to strengthen his control. Now his prime focus was towards the expansion of his empire and improvement of administration.
AllaudinKhilji’s theory of kingship
Amir Khushro has elaborately written about the kingship of Allaudin. Allaudin was beyond control and was over ambitious. He strongly believed that power remains with the one who is strong. He said that the ruler had no kinship and all the inhabitants of the country must be his subject. Hence, it was their prior duty to obey orders of the sultan without any question. He did not even take the permission of the Khalifa before taking the charge of sultan. He very clearly said that my orders are in favour of the people and I am least bothered whether they are according to Sariyat or not. So he did not consider the rules of Shariyat beyond the welfare of people.
Expedition of AllaudinKhilji
Allaudin khilji was an imperialist ruler. He wanted to expand the rule of Khilji Dynasty and bring entire India under the single rule, because of his ambition to conquer entire world he gained the title of Sikander-e-sani or second Sikander but later he limited his conquests within India. AllaudinKhilji was the first muslim ruler who attacked both north as well as south to extend his territorial boundaries.
The Northern India Campaigns of AllaudinKhilji
Gujarat Expedition (1299 AD)
Allaudin sent his two commander-in-chief named Ulugh khan and Nusrat khan to attack Gujarat which was ruled by Rai Karan Baghela. Rai Karan got defeated in the war and fled away to Devgiri along with his daughter. He was provided shelter by king Ramachandra Dev Yadava. King Baghela’s wife, Kamla Devi was captured by Khilji’s army and was taken to Delhi. It was during this campaign Khilji got a transgender (Hizra) named Mallik Kaffur. Allaudin bought him for 1000 Dinar so, he was popularly called as ‘Hazar-e-Dinari’.
Ranthambore Expedition (1301 AD)
The conquest was headed by Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan against the ruler of Ranthambore king Hammira Deva in 1301 AD. Nusrat Khan lost his life during this expedition. Allaudin Khilji was himself a part of this conquest. Rajput females along with Hammira Deva’s wife commited Jauhar.
Chittor Expedition (1303 AD)
Allaudin Khilji led this conquest against the king of Chittor Rana Ratan singh. Even Amir Khushro accompanied Allaudin. Rana Ratan singh was able to fight with Khilji’s army for approximately seven months but later he was defeated. Lastly wife of Ratan singh committed Jauhar along with other Rajput females. After the victory Allaudin gave right to rule Chittor to his elder son Khizra Khan and also changed the name of Chittor to Khizrabad.
Malwa Expedition (1305 AD)
The campaign was lead by Ain-ul- Mulk- Multani in 1305 against the king of Malwa Mahlak Deva. The king of Malwa was defeated and Ain-ul- Mulk- Multani was appointed as the Governor of Malwa.
Siwana Expedition (1308 AD)
This expedition took place under Kamal-uddin Garg in 1308 AD against the ruler of Siwan Sheetal Deva. After a long term struggle king Sheetal Deva was defeated and killed. Siwan was declared as a part of Delhi sultanate and Kamal-uddin Garg was appointed as the provincial head (Prantpati).
Jallor Expedition(1311 AD)
Jallor conquest was undertaken by Kamal-uddin Garg in 1311 AD against the ruler Kanha Deva or Krishna Deva. After the defeat of the king Kamal-uddin Garg was appointed as the Governor.
Main aims of AllaudinKhilji behind Southern India Expedition
Social expansion.
Gain of wealth.
Denial of annual tax from Devagiri according to the peace treaty of 1296 AD.
King of Devagiri provided shelter to Raj Karan Baghela who was the enemy of Allaudin.
To get back Deval Rani.
Military Conquest of Deccan India
Attack on Devagiri
Mallik Kaffur twice attack Devagiri. First time in 1307-08 AD. Ramchandra Deva Yadava was the ruler of Devagiri. Ramchandra was defeated but was not held as hostage rather he was invited to Delhi. King Ramchandra accepted the invitation when he reached Delhi he was honoured with the title Rai Raiyana (King of kings). As a symbol of power Allaudin gifted a royal canopy to king Ramchandra. After the death of king Ramchandra his son Shankar Deva declared independence from sultanate rule and in return Mallik Kaffur attacked Devagiri and killed Shankar Deva.
Telangana Expedition
Telangana conquest was lead by Mallik Kaffur in 1309-10 AD against the king Pratap Rudra Deva. Rudra Deva was defeated but negotiated with Mallik Kaffur and accepted the supremacy of Sultanate and also agreed to pay tax to sultanate.
Dwarasamudra or Hoysal Expedition
Even this conquest was lead by Mallik Kaffur in 1310 AD against the ruler Veer Bhallal III. The king was defeated and in return he accepted the supremacy sultanate and even agreed to pay annual tax.
Madura Expedition
After the death of king of Madura Kuleshwar the war of succession broke out among his sons Sundar Pandaya and Veer Pandaya. Taking advantage of their internal rivalry Allaudin sent a troop under Mallik Kaffur in 1311 AD. Mallik Kaffur looted huge wealth in this expedition.
