--- title: Tughlaq Dynasty author: Patit Paban Mishra source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Tughlaq_Dynasty/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 2026-02-13 --- # Tughlaq Dynasty _Authored by [Patit Paban Mishra](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/patitpabanmishr/)_ The Tughlaq dynasty (also spelt Tughluq), ruled the Delhi sultanate from 1320 to 1413. Followed by the Khalji dynasty and preceded by the Sayyids, the Tughlaq dynasty formed an important period in the history and [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/) of the Sultanate. Economic life accelerated due to the establishment of *karkhanas* or factories, and irrigated canals facilitated [agriculture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Agriculture/). Inland and maritime [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/) increased and quickened the process of [urbanization](https://www.worldhistory.org/urbanization/). Urban centers, schools, mosques, and public buildings also proliferated. ### The Delhi Sultanate In 1192 the victory of Muhammed of Ghur over the Rajput King, Prithviraj Chauhan III (r. c. 1177-1192) led to an alien rule being established in the Indian subcontinent. Shamsuddin Iltutmish (r. 1210-1236) styled himself as Sultan in 1206, and the Delhi Sultanate continued until 1526 when Ziauddin Babur (1483–1530) defeated Ibrahim Lodi (r.1517-1526). The Delhi Sultanate's rulers followed the Islamic faith. A period of consolidation began in the 13th century. Queen Raziya (r. 1236-1240), the first woman Muslim ruler of [India](https://www.worldhistory.org/india/), received from her father Iltutmish a vast kingdom. Ghiyasuddin Balban (r. 1265-1286) ruled with an iron hand with the divine right theory of kingship. The Khalji period (1290- 1320) marked the beginning of the ascendancy of Indian Muslims and their [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) even extended up to southern India. The rule by the Tughlaqs, Sayyids (1414-1451), and Lodis (1451-1526) witnessed the gradual weakening of the Delhi Sultanate. There was religious harmony among ordinary people, although there was conflict among elites. The Sufi and Bhakti saints emphasized religious harmony and the equality of humankind. The new technique of Indo-Islamic architecture witnessed the construction of beautiful arches, domes, and gardens. The Urdu language was emerging with the amalgamation of dialects of Hindi and Persian. There was also a proliferation of vernacular [literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/literature/). There was, too, an exchange of diplomatic missions, even with [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/). Thus, the reign of the Delhi Sultans formed a crucial period in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The contemporary historical writings of Ziauddin Barani (Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi and Fatwa-i-Jahandari), [Ibn Battuta](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ibn_Battuta/) (*The Rihla*), and Shams Siraj Afif (Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi) provide source materials for studying different aspects of the Delhi Sultanate. #### Book Promotion [ ![The Forsaken 14th Century by World History Encyclopedia](https://www.worldhistory.io/template/files/text-replacements-images/WHE_14th_century.jpg?compress=true&width=280) ](https://amzn.to/4isZ4B5 "The Forsaken 14th Century")### The Forsaken 14th Century by World History Encyclopedia WHE's first book takes a truly global outlook and introduces readers to the different cultures that survived, thrived, and fell amid adversity in the 14th century. Filled with in-depth text written by WHE authors, many exclusive maps, and plenty of illustrations, The Forsaken 14th Century takes you on a global journey from the nomads of the Mongol Empire to the Black Death in Europe, the booming trade on the Swahili Coast to the Aztecs and the Māori settlements in New Zealand. [Learn More](https://amzn.to/4isZ4B5) .sponsor.book img.key_art { box-shadow: none !important; } .button_container { margin-top: 1em; } .sponsor.book h3 { text-transform: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; font-family: "Libre Baskerville", "Palatino Linotype", "Book Antiqua", Palatino, serif; } .sponsor_message { margin-left: 190px; font-family: Karla, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 140%; min-height: 200px; } .sponsor.book { padding: 20px; margin: 25px 0px; background-color: #f3f3f3; } .sponsor.book .key_art { margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: left; } .sponsor h4 { font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; color: #000; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; font-family: Karla,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 0; } .sponsor_book_author { color: #999; margin: -10px 0px 20px; } @media (max-width: 1199px) { .sponsor.book .key_art { float: none; width: 100%; } .sponsor.book .sponsor_message { margin-left: 0px; } .sponsor.book h3 { margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; } } @media (max-width: 767px) { } ### Ghiyasuddin Tughluq Ghiyasuddin Tughluq (aka Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq, r. 1320-1325) was the founder of the Tughluq dynasty. He was governor of the northwest provinces at the time of Nasiruddin Khusrav Shah (r. 1320), a [Hindu](https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/) convert. The Turk tribes did not reconcile to the rule of a converted Muslim as they believed in the superiority of the Turkish race. Ghiyasuddin gathered around him the nobility and became the Sultan after deposing Khusrav. He suppressed the recalcitrant Hindu Rajas and undertook a policy of territorial aggrandizement. In 1323, the Telingana kingdom in south India was annexed. The Tughluq army plundered Jajnagar in Odisha. East and south Bengal were incorporated into the Sultanate while north Bengal remained a vassal state under Nasirudddin Ibrahim. [ ![Map of Medieval India, c. 1360](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/21584.png?v=1770919695-1770967361) Map of Medieval India, c. 1360 Simeon Netchev (CC BY-NC-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21584/map-of-medieval-india-c-1360/ "Map of Medieval India, c. 1360")As a capable military commander, the Sultan revamped the army organization making it [battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/)-ready. The soldiers were well-looked and Ghiyasuddin pursued a paternalistic policy towards [peasants](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Peasants/). Agriculture was also improved and revenue officers were explicitly ordered not to be harsh with cultivators. Means of communication also improved a great deal. Bridges, roads, and canals were constructed. The postal system became more efficient. The Sultan had a fair sense of justice and he prohibited inhuman punishment, but thieves and corrupt revenue officials were not spared. On a personal level, the Sultan was a strict disciplinarian and strict follower of Islamic laws, eschewing alcohol as well as worldly pleasures. The Sultan died in 1325 due to the collapse of a wooden pavilion built in his honour. It was believed that his son, Jauna Khan had a hand in the accident. On the whole, Ghiyasuddin was a successful Sultan. He had extended the kingdom's boundaries, looked after the people's welfare, and filled up the state treasury. ### [Muhammad](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Muhammad/) Bin Tughluq Muhammad Bin Tughluq (r. 1325-1351) became the Sultan of Delhi after his father's [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/), Ghiyasuddin Tughluq even though he has been blamed for his father's death by some historians. The Sultan believed in the Divine Right theory of kingship. Following a liberal policy, he appointed officials irrespective of caste, creed, or [religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/religion/). He also did not discriminate against his Hindu subjects. Muhammad Tughluq undertook a policy of [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) and sent expeditionary forces to Khurasan, Nagarkot, Qarajal, Mewar, Telingana, and Malabar. Diplomatic relations were established with many Asian countries. His empire was the most extensive one among the medieval Sultans. [ ![Coin of Muhammad Bin Tughluq](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/16682.png?v=1725952759-1725952772) Coin of Muhammad Bin Tughluq CNG Coins (CC BY-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16682/coin-of-muhammad-bin-tughluq/ "Coin of Muhammad Bin Tughluq")The projects of the Sultan were far ahead of his time but these often failed due to improper execution and the unpopularity of the schemes. The creation of another capital in Daultabad, taxation in the Doab region, introduction of token currency, etc., created great hardship for his subjects and invited opposition. With the best of intentions, the Sultan's experiments were grand failures. His reign period witnessed dissent and rebellions. The governors of the northwestern province and Bengal were given harsh punishments. Independent kingdoms came into existence, such as Malabar, Vijayanagar, and Bhamani. At the time of his death in 1351, the disintegration of the Delhi Sultanate had already begun. Although he had ruled over a vast empire, the Sultan was not able to hold it together. The learned, liberal and tolerant Sultan, the most controversial figure of medieval India, failed as a ruler. He was not schizophrenic as has been alleged but, averse to any advice, the Sultan could not measure his subjects' pulse. ### Feroz Shah Tughluq The cousin of Muhammad Tughluq, Feroz (or Firuz) Shah Tughluq, ascended the throne in 1351 and ruled until 1388. Although not a capable military leader like his predecessors, the Sultan was a great builder of [cities](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/), monuments, and public buildings. The Sultan imposed the four taxes sanctioned by the Islamic laws, including a tax on non-Muslims, *Jeziya*. Depending on the priestly classes or the *ulemas*, the state was intolerant towards the *zimmmis* (non-Muslims) and the Shias. His campaign to Jajnagar (Odisha) in 1361 destroyed the famous Puri Jagannatha [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/). Firuz did not attempt to retrieve the territories lost in the previous reign and his military organization was fragile. His fondness for keeping a large retinue of slaves resulted in the depletion of the state coffers. Firuz, a patron of learning, established 30 madrasas (Islamic schools) and three colleges. Although intolerant of the Hindus, he ordered the translation of religious scriptures into Persian. His humanitarian measures included the building of orphanages and charitable hospitals. His construction activity included establishing scores of towns, undertaking irrigation works, and digging public wells. Firuz took special care in maintaining and repairing famous monuments like the Qutb Minar, Jama masjid, and mausoleums of some of the earlier sultans. Jaunpur, Hissar, Fatehabad, and Firozpur were just some of the urban centers which thrived in the Sultan's reign. Firuz resided in the newly built [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) of Firuzabad in Delhi, and its ruins, Firoz Shah Kotla, are extant. The Sultan's last days were not happy due to civil wars and in-fighting over the future of the throne; the death of his eldest son Faterh Khan in 1374 made him almost senile. His grandson Tughluq Shah (r. 1388-1389) became the next Sultan after his death. [ ![Tomb of Feroz Shah Tughluq](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/16683.png?v=1668586417-1668586445) Tomb of Feroz Shah Tughluq Nvvchar (CC BY-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16683/tomb-of-feroz-shah-tughluq/ "Tomb of Feroz Shah Tughluq")### The Last Tughluq Sultans The experiments of Muhammad Tughluq, the weakness of Firuz, the incompetent successors that followed, the depletion of state resources, and the wars in south India were all responsible for the ultimate downfall of the Tughluq dynasty. Tughlaq Shah was assassinated by nobles proclaiming loyalty to his cousin, [Abu Bakr](https://www.worldhistory.org/Abu_Bakr/) Shah (r.1389-1390). Muhammad Shah (r. 1390-1393) in turn, deposed [Abu](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Abu/) Bakr. By the time of the ruler Mahmud Nasiruddin (r. 1393-1394), the Tughluq Empire covered an area of just seven miles from Delhi to Palam. Alauddin Sikandar, son of Muhammad Shah then ruled for some months in 1394. His younger brother Nasir Muhammad Shah (r.1394-1412) was the last member of the Tughlaq dynasty. The sack and plunder of Delhi by the [Mongol](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mongol_Empire/) chief [Timur](https://www.worldhistory.org/Timur/) (1336-1405) in 1398 was the last blow from which the dynasty did not recover. ### Indo-Islamic Architecture under the Tughluqs Islamic architecture had developed considerably from the first Islamic building of Kaba and the Grand Mosque surrounding it. When [Islam](https://www.worldhistory.org/islam/) came to the Indian subcontinent, a new era began. Islam was confronted with an existing style of architecture that was very old and developed. Gradually, there was a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim styles, and Indo-Islamic architecture developed its own identity. The city of Delhi was the primary focus of the architecture of the Sultanate. Indo-Islamic architecture developed further under the Tughluqs. Among the imposing structures built by the Sultans were the city of Tughlaqabad, Firozabad, the [tomb](https://www.worldhistory.org/tomb/) of Firuz, and others. Ghiyasuddin Tughluq built the fortress city of Tughlaqabad in Delhi between 1321 and 1325. It was the capital, and a strong fortress designed for defense. The [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/)-fortress enclave was constructed by checking the Jamuna river flow, resulting in the creation of an artificial lake, which surrounded the city in the eastern direction of the fort. Tughlaqbad occupied a massive area of rectangular shape, encompassed by walls ranging from 15 to 30 meters with a thickness of about 10 meters. The bastions having two stories and gargantuan towers, surrounded the palace, audience halls, tombs, and mosque. The sloping walls, called batter, were a novelty of Tughlaqabad. [ ![Tughlaqabad Fort](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/16686.png?v=1668595115-1668595262) Tughlaqabad Fort Rangan Datta Wiki (CC BY-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16686/tughlaqabad-fort/ "Tughlaqabad Fort")The mausoleum of Ghiyasuddin Tughluq was located on the southern side of the fortress. Built by the Sultan, the tomb is in the shape of a pentagon surrounded by fortified walls with an angle of 75 degrees. Built of red sandstone with a dome of white marble, the archways present a perfect combination of arch and beam, blending the trabeate and arcuate method. The interior, containing the sarcophagus, has a single chamber surmounted by a dome. A legend mentions the discord between the Sultan and the Sufi saint, Khwaja Nazimuddin Auylia (1236-1325), which was responsible for the demise of the Thughalaqbad. Ghiyassuddin could not reach the capital from Bengal and was killed when the wooden pavilion built in his honour collapsed. The Sultan did not permit the workers to be employed by the Saint, who uttered the famous prophecy, *Hunuz Dilli dur ast* (Delhi is yet far away). Muhammad Tughluq constructed the Royal residence of Jahanpanah along with the Begumpuri mosque. Another passionate builder, Firuz Shah Tughluq constructed many towns, mosques, reservoirs, pavilions, and bridges. His newly built fortress city of Firoz Shah Kotla is extant amid ruins. The old fort-city of Tughlaqabad was abandoned, and the new capital city of Firoz Shah Kotla was constructed with a rectangular plan of about 800 by 400 metres (2624 x 1312 ft). A fortified stone [wall](https://www.worldhistory.org/wall/) surrounded the town with the main entrance on the western side. It encompassed the quarters of the guards and soldiers, a rectangular-shaped Mahall-i Bari Amm (Palace of the Public Court), and a square pillared hall for transacting the private business of the Sultan. On rectangular and square-shaped courts stood residential quarters of the Royalty, Hawa Mahall (palace of the winds), Kushk-i-Shikar (hunting place), mosque pigeon-tower, *baoli* (stepped well), and exquisite gardens with running water and fountains. The Sultan's abode was Kushk-i-Feroze. Friday prayers were offered in the public mosque or Jami masjid, with its spacious courtyard and series of cells. [ ![Begumpur Masjid](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/16687.png?v=1668595884-1668595891) Begumpur Masjid Varun Shiv Kapur (CC BY) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16687/begumpur-masjid/ "Begumpur Masjid")One of the city's unique features is the pillar of Mauryan Emperor [Ashoka](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashoka_the_Great/) (r. c. 268 - c. 232 BCE), raised on a three-tiered [pyramid](https://www.worldhistory.org/pyramid/)-like structure. It was removed from its original location in the Topra district of Ambala, Haryana. The pillar, encased in reed and raw animal skins, was moved with the help of a 42-wheel carriage drawn by about 200 people. On the banks of the river Jamuna, it was ferried and carried to the present location. In 1356, stone friezes were placed around it. Finally, the Feroz Shah Kotla has been used as a cricket ground by the Delhi District Cricket Association since November 1948. The [stadium](https://www.worldhistory.org/Stadium/) was named after Arun Jaitley, an Indian politician, in 2019. The period of the Tughluqs forms an important period in the history and culture of the Delhi Sultanate. Economic life accelerated due to the establishment of *karkhanas* or factories (trading centers) by Firuz. The inland and maritime trade increased and quickened the process of urbanization. Urban centers, schools, mosques, and public buildings also proliferated. The contemporary historical writings of Ziyauddin Barani (Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi and Fatwa-i-Jahandari) and Shams Siraj Afif (Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi) provide additional source materials for studying different aspects of the Delhi Sultanate. #### Editorial Review This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## Bibliography - Ahmad, Manazir. *Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq, 1351-1388 A.D.* Chugh Publications, 1978 - Ashrafi, Anjum. *The Khilji and Tughlaq dynasties.* Shree Publishers, New Delhi, 2022 - Husain, Agha M. . *Tughlaq dynasty.* Spink, Calcutta, 1963 - Khan, Ahmad N. *Islamic architecture in South Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh.* Oxford University Press, Karachi, 2003 - Majumdar, R. C., ed. . *The Delhi Sultanate (1300-1526 AD). vol 6. .* Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay, 1989 - Mishra, Patit P. . " “Delhi Sultanate”." *Berkshire Encyclopedia of World History. vol. 2.* , edited by William H. McNeill, ed. Berkshire Publishing Group,Great Barrington, Massachusetts, 2005, 506-7. - [Ramprakash Mathur. *Medieval Indian History.* Murari Lal & Sons, 1970.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/8189239287/) - Rani, Abha. *Tughlaq Architecture of Delhi.* Bharati Prakashan, Varanasi, 1991 - [Ray, Aniruddha. *The Sultanate of Delhi .* Routledge, 2019.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B07PXGTLV8/) - [Syed, M.H. . *History of Delhi Sultanate.* Anmol Publications Pvt Ltd, 1970.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/812611830X/) ## About the Author Patit Paban Mishra, Professor of History (Retired) at Sambalpur University, India, and Northern University of Malaysia, specializes in World History with particular reference to South Asian and South-East Asian History. ## Timeline - **1320 CE - 1325 CE**: Reign of Ghiyasuddin Tughluq (aka Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq), founder of the [Tughlaq dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tughlaq_Dynasty/). - **1320 CE - 1413 CE**: The [Tughlaq dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tughlaq_Dynasty/) rules the Delhi sultante. - **1325 CE - 1351 CE**: Reign of [Muhammad](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Muhammad/) Bin Tughluq of the Dehli Sultanate. - **1351 CE - 1388 CE**: Reign of Feroz (or Firuz) Shah Tughluq of the Delhi Sultanate. - **1394 CE - 1412 CE**: Reign of Nasir [Muhammad](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Muhammad/) Shah of the Delhi Sultanate, last of the [Tughlaq dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tughlaq_Dynasty/). ## Questions & Answers ### Who was founder of Tughlaq dynasty? The founder of the Tughlaq dynasty was Ghiyasuddin Tughluq (aka Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq, r. 1320-1325). ### What is the Tughlaq dynasty famous for? The Tughlaq dynasty is famous for developing the Delhi Sultanate in a period when it expanded its territory, there was increased urbanization, and there were developments in a new architectural style. ### Who ended the Tughlaq dynasty? The Tughlaq dynasty came to an end when the Delhi Sultanate was attacked by the Mongol chief Timur (1336-1405) in 1398. ## Cite This Work ### APA Mishra, P. P. (2022, November 22). Tughlaq Dynasty. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Tughlaq\_Dynasty/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tughlaq_Dynasty/) ### Chicago Mishra, Patit Paban. "Tughlaq Dynasty." *World History Encyclopedia*, November 22, 2022. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Tughlaq\_Dynasty/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tughlaq_Dynasty/). ### MLA Mishra, Patit Paban. "Tughlaq Dynasty." *World History Encyclopedia*, 22 Nov 2022, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Tughlaq\_Dynasty/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tughlaq_Dynasty/). ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Patit Paban Mishra](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/patitpabanmishr/ "User Page: Patit Paban Mishra"), published on 22 November 2022. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.