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U.P. Lower Sub. Special Prelims 2008

Chronology of the Delhi Sultanate

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The Sultans of which dynasty ruled the country for the longest period?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The Delhi Sultanate saw a succession of five dynasties. While some were short-lived military regimes, others managed to establish a long-term administrative presence.

Explanation Based on historical timelines: The Tughluq dynasty ruled for 94 years (1320–1414), making it the longest-reigning dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Tughluqs (94 years) > Slave/Mamluks (84 years) > Lodis (75 years) > Khaljis (30 years).
Logic 2: The Tughluq period reached the maximum territorial extent of the Sultanate under Muhammad bin Tughluq before internal decline began.

Active Recall

Question

Which dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate for the shortest duration?

Answer

The Khalji dynasty ruled for the shortest period, approximately 30 years (1290–1320).

Core Insight

The long tenure of the Tughluqs allowed them to institutionalize many administrative and welfare measures that outlasted the Sultanate itself.

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