M.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2017

Chronology of the Delhi Sultanate

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which dynasty of Delhi Sultanate ruled for the shortest period?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Despite their immense impact on Indian history through administrative and market reforms, the Khaljis had the briefest tenure of all five major Sultanate dynasties.

Explanation The Khalji dynasty ruled from 1290 to 1320 CE, a total of only 30 years. They were replaced by the Tughluqs after a brief period of instability.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is correct. The other dynasties had much longer tenures: Tughluqs (94 yrs), Sayyids (37 yrs), Lodis (75 yrs), and Mamluks (84 yrs).
Logic 2: The 30-year rule of the Khaljis, however, witnessed the most rapid territorial expansion and radical economic reforms of the entire Sultanate period.

Active Recall

Question

Who was the founder of the Khalji dynasty?

Answer

Jalaluddin Khalji founded the dynasty in 1290 CE by overthrowing the last of the Mamluk rulers.

Core Insight

The Khalji period demonstrates that the historical impact of a dynasty is not always proportional to the length of its rule.