The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 AD) was established after Turkish conquerors defeated the ruling Rajput dynasties in Northern India. Over a period of about 300 years, five distinct dynasties of Turkish and Afghan origin ruled from Delhi.
The Slave / Mamluk DynastyThe Khilji DynastyThe Tughlaq DynastyThe Sayyid DynastyThe Lodi Dynasty
Key Central Administration Departments
Department Name | Function | Founded By |
Diwan-i-Wizarat | Department of Finance (headed by Wazir) | - |
Diwan-i-Arz | Military Department | Ghiyasuddin Balban |
Diwan-i-Riyasat | Department of Commerce / Markets | Alauddin Khilji |
Diwan-i-Mustakharaj | Department of Arrears | Alauddin Khilji |
Diwan-i-Kohi | Department of Agriculture | Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq |
Diwan-i-Bandgan | Department of Slaves | Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
Diwan-i-Khairat | Department of Charity | Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
Diwan-i-Isthiaq | Department of Pensions | Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
Important Literature of the Era
Book / Work | Author | Historical Importance |
Tahqiq-i-Hind | Alberuni | Account of the Slave dynasty |
Tabaqat-i-Nasiri | Minhaj-us-Siraj | Account of Iltutmish's reign |
Khazain-ul-Futuh | Amir Khusrau | Describes conquests of Alauddin Khilji |
Tughlaq-Nama | Amir Khusrau | Account of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's reign |
Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi | Ziauddin Barani | Gives an account of Firoz Shah's reign |