03. Delhi 12th To15th Century Class 7 History NCERT Notes for Chapter 3 CBSE and UPSC

Welcome to Delhi 12th TO 15th Century class 7 history chapter 3 NCERT Notes for CBSE and UPSC

Chapter 3: Delhi from the 12th to the 15th Century – Comprehensive Exam Notes

Introduction

In this chapter, we will extensively explore the historical evolution of Delhi from the 12th to the 15th century. We’ll delve into Delhi’s significance as a political and commercial center, the ruling dynasties, and their administrative strategies.

Delhi’s Emergence as a Capital

1. Kaveri Delta vs. Delhi: During the 12th century, the Kaveri delta thrived as the center of large kingdoms, while Delhi gained importance as a capital city only in the 12th century.
2. Tomara Rajputs and Chauhans: Delhi’s early capital status was under the Tomara Rajputs, who were later defeated by the Chauhans of Ajmer in the mid-12th century.
3. Commercial Center: It’s crucial to note that during the Tomara and Chauhan rule, Delhi evolved into a significant commercial hub, attracting wealthy Jaina merchants who constructed temples.
4. Delhi Sultanate: The transformation of Delhi into a capital that controlled vast areas began with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century.

The Delhi Sultanate: Dynasties and Key Rulers

Dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate witnessed a dynamic and complex history characterized by the rule of several dynasties. Each dynasty brought its unique characteristics and contributed to the Sultanate’s overall development.

1. Tomaras and Chauhans:
   • The early years of Delhi Sultanate were marked by the Tomara Rajputs and Chauhans. They laid the foundation for Delhi’s significance as a capital city and a commercial center.
   • The Tomaras initially ruled Delhi but were eventually defeated by the Chauhans, also known as Chahamanas, of Ajmer. This transition marked an important phase in Delhi’s history.
   • Rich Jaina merchants thrived during this period, contributing to the city’s prosperity.
2. Early Turkish Rulers:
   • The rule of the early Turkish rulers marked the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate’s ascendancy. Notable among them was Qutbuddin Aybak, who established the Mamluk dynasty.
   • Qutbuddin Aybak’s reign saw the construction of significant architectural marvels like the Qutb Minar.
3. Khalji Dynasty:
   • The Khalji Dynasty, led by rulers like Jalaluddin Khalji and Alauddin Khalji, made significant territorial expansions and played a crucial role in shaping the Sultanate’s military and administrative systems.
   • Alauddin Khalji’s reign is particularly noteworthy for its economic reforms and strict administration.
4. Tughluq Dynasty:
   • The Tughluq Dynasty, under leaders like Ghiyasuddin Tughluq and Muhammad Tughluq, expanded the Sultanate’s territory to its greatest extent.
   • Muhammad Tughluq’s reign was marked by ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful administrative reforms, such as the introduction of token currency and the shifting of the capital to Daulatabad.
5. Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties:
   • The Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties marked the later years of the Delhi Sultanate.
   • Bahlul Lodi was a prominent ruler during this period and played a significant role in the Sultanate’s history.

Key Rulers

Prithviraj Chauhan:

• Prithviraj Chauhan was a notable ruler of the Chauhan dynasty known for his valor and battles against the Ghurid invasions.
• His reign and the subsequent Ghurid victory played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.

Alauddin Khalji:

• Alauddin Khalji was one of the most prominent rulers of the Khalji Dynasty.
• His reign was marked by military campaigns, economic reforms, and the establishment of a strong administrative system.

Muhammad Tughluq:

• Muhammad Tughluq was a complex ruler known for his ambitious but often impractical administrative reforms.
• His reign saw significant territorial expansion and the shifting of the capital, which had far-reaching consequences.

Bahlul Lodi:

• Bahlul Lodi played a crucial role in the later years of the Delhi Sultanate, as he founded the Lodi Dynasty.
• His rule marked a phase of transition in the Sultanate’s history.

These dynasties and key rulers collectively shaped the course of the Delhi Sultanate, contributing to its historical significance and impact on the Indian subcontinent.

Understanding Delhi under the Sultans

Historical Records (Tawarikh)

1. Tawarikh: Persian historical records (Tawarikh), composed mainly by secretaries, administrators, poets, and courtiers, offer insights into the governance of the Delhi Sultans.
2. Circle of Justice: Fakhr-i Mudabbir emphasized the “circle of justice” where rulers needed to promote justice to ensure prosperity.

Gender and Birthright

1. Gender Distinctions: The society of the time had significant gender distinctions, with men considered superior to women, a concept that’s well-documented in Persian Tawarikh.
2. Birthright: Privileges were often claimed based on birth, such as nobles inheriting the right to govern, reflecting the prevailing social hierarchy.

Raziyya Sultan

1. Raziyya Sultan: In 1236, Raziyya, a capable ruler, became Sultan but faced resistance from both chroniclers and nobles due to her gender.
2. Chronicler’s Criticism: Chronicler Minhaj-i Siraj criticized her rule, arguing it went against the ideal social order of the time, where women were expected to be subordinate to men.

Administration under the Khaljis and Tughluqs

1. Administration: The consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate necessitated reliable governors and administrators, which was achieved through unique strategies.
2. Use of Slaves and Clients: Early Sultans favored specially trained slaves (bandagan) and clients for administrative roles, emphasizing loyalty and competence.
3. Political Instability: The reliance on slaves and clients led to political instability during transitions of power, as their loyalty often remained with their patrons.
4. Criticism: Persian Tawarikh authors criticized Sultans for appointing the “low and base-born” to high offices, challenging traditional hierarchies.

Revenue and Control

1. Control Over Territories: The Sultanate extended control over territories and levied taxes on cultivation, cattle, and houses, significantly impacting the agrarian society.
2. Local Chieftains: Local chieftains lost tax-collecting rights and had to pay taxes, leading to significant changes in revenue collection.
3. Independent Regions: Geographical challenges left some regions independent, defying central control and taxation.

Chieftain Defense

1. Chieftain Defense: Chieftains fortified themselves in forests and bamboo groves to resist control, highlighting the difficulties faced by central authorities.

Mongol Invasions

1. Mongol Invasions: The Delhi Sultanate faced Mongol invasions, which forced the creation of a large standing army to defend the realm.

The Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries

1. Emergence of New Rulers: After the Tughluqs, new rulers emerged in various regions, including Sher Shah Sur, who introduced efficient administration.
2. Model for Akbar: Sher Shah’s administration served as a model for Akbar in consolidating the Mughal Empire, with lasting administrative influence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Important Questions for Delhi 12th TO 15th Century class 7 history chapter 3 NCERT Notes for CBSE and UPSC

1. Why did Delhi become a significant capital city only in the 12th century?

• Delhi’s rise as a capital was a gradual process, and it gained prominence due to various historical and political factors.
• Wikipedia Link: Delhi

2. How did the Delhi Sultanate impact gender roles in society?

• The Delhi Sultanate reinforced existing gender distinctions, where men were considered superior to women, as documented in historical records.
• Wikipedia Link: Gender Roles

3. Why did Raziyya Sultan’s rule face opposition?

• Raziyya Sultan faced resistance due to societal norms and the belief that women should be subordinate to men.
• Wikipedia Link: Raziyya Sultan

4. How did the Delhi Sultanate handle tax collection and control over territories?

• The Sultanate imposed taxes on cultivation, cattle, and houses while extending its control over regions, often using local chieftains as revenue collectors.
• Wikipedia Link: Delhi Sultanate Administration

5. What challenges did the Sultanate face from Mongol invasions?

• Mongol invasions posed significant threats, prompting the creation of a large standing army for defense.
• Wikipedia Link: Mongol Invasions

6. Who was Sher Shah Sur, and why is he significant in Indian history? – Sher Shah Sur was a ruler known for his efficient administration, and his model influenced later rulers like Akbar in the Mughal Empire. – Wikipedia Link: Sher Shah Suri

7. How did geography impact the independence of certain regions from Delhi’s control? – Geographical challenges, such as dense forests and rugged terrain, made it difficult for the Delhi Sultanate to control some regions. – Wikipedia Link: Geography of India

8. What were the key administrative strategies employed by the Delhi Sultans?

• The Sultans relied on slaves, clients, and military commanders for governance, which had both advantages and disadvantages.
• Wikipedia Link: Delhi Sultanate Administration

9. How did Persian Tawarikh records contribute to our understanding of the Delhi Sultanate?

• Persian Tawarikh records provide valuable insights into the governance, societal norms, and challenges faced during the Delhi Sultanate period.
• Wikipedia Link: Persian Historiography

10. What led to the emergence of new rulers in the 15th and 16th centuries, and what impact did they have on Indian history?

• Various factors, including regional independence, gave rise to new rulers like Sher Shah Sur, who introduced innovative administrative systems with lasting influence.
• Wikipedia Link: Indian History

Keywords and Definitions

Important Definitions for Delhi 12th TO 15th Century class 7 history chapter 3 NCERT Notes for CBSE and UPSC

• iqta: A system of land revenue collection in the Delhi Sultanate.
• tarikh: Persian historical records.
• garrison: A body of troops stationed in a particular location.
• Mongols: A nomadic people from Central Asia.
• gender roles: Social and cultural expectations and distinctions between men and women.
• Delhi Sultanate administration: The administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Raziyya Sultan: A historical figure, the first woman to rule Delhi.
• Sher Shah Suri: A historical figure known for his administrative reforms.
• Persian historiography: The study of historical writings in the Persian language.
• Geography of India: The geographical features and characteristics of India.
• History of India: The historical development of the Indian subcontinent.

---

This was the end of Delhi 12th TO 15th Century class 7 history chapter 3 NCERT Notes CBSE and UPSC

For more information, refer to NCERT SOLUTIONS, NCERT NOTES, and NCERT BOOKS .