What are the 5 dynasties of Delhi Sultanate?

The Delhi Sultanate had five dynasties that ruled from 1206 to 1526 CE.

List of the Five Dynasties

1. Mamluk Dynasty (1206–1290) – Also called the Slave Dynasty, started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
2. Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320) – Expanded the empire into southern India.
3. Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414) – Known for ambitious projects but also instability.
4. Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451) – Weaker dynasty, mostly controlled around Delhi.
5. Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526) – The last dynasty, ended with the invasion of Babur at the Battle of Panipat.

Key Features of Each Dynasty

• Mamluk Dynasty: Established strong foundations of Sultanate rule. Built Qutub Minar’s first parts.
• Khilji Dynasty: Alauddin Khilji was the most famous ruler, known for market reforms and military expansion.
• Tughlaq Dynasty: Muhammad bin Tughlaq tried new ideas like shifting the capital, but many failed.
• Sayyid Dynasty: Weak and dependent on nobles. Considered a transitional period.
• Lodi Dynasty: Afghan rulers. Ibrahim Lodi was defeated by Babur in 1526, marking the start of the Mughal Empire.

Importance of the Delhi Sultanate

• Introduced new systems of administration and revenue collection.
• Encouraged Persian culture, language, and art.
• Left behind architectural wonders like Qutub Minar and Alai Darwaza.

Conclusion: The five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate were the Mamluk, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi. Together, they ruled India for over 300 years before the rise of the Mughal Empire.