Tughlaq Dynasty [1320-1413AD]: Key Achievements

Q: Who was the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty?

The founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty was Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq . He established the dynasty in 1320 CE after the death of his predecessor, Sultan Nasiruddin Khilji, and his reign marked the beginning of Tughlaq rule in Delhi.

Q: Tughlaq Dynasty Timeline

1320 CE : Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq establishes the Tughlaq Dynasty after the death of Sultan Nasiruddin Khilji. 1320–1325 CE : Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq reigns as Sultan of Delhi. 1325 CE : Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq dies, and his son Muhammad bin Tughlaq ascends the throne. 1325–1351 CE : Muhammad bin Tughlaq rules. His reign is noted for ambitious and often controversial policies, including the transfer of the capital to Daulatabad and the introduction of token currency. 1351 CE : Muhammad bin Tughlaq dies, and Feroz Shah Tughlaq becomes the Sultan. 1351–1388 CE : Feroz Shah Tughlaq reigns. His rule is marked by extensive public works, including the construction of the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi and various waterworks. 1388 CE : Feroz Shah Tughlaq dies. His successors include his sons and other relatives, but their rule is weakened and marked by instability. 1398 CE : Timur (Tamerlane) invades Delhi, leading to significant devastation and the weakening of Tughlaq rule. 1414 CE : Ibrahim Shah Tughlaq is defeated, and the Sayyid Dynasty takes over.

Q: Who was the last ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty?

The last ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty was Ibrahim Shah Tughlaq . His reign ended in 1414 CE, after which the Sayyid Dynasty succeeded him.

Q: What is the main source of the Tughlaq dynasty?

Historical Chronicles : Contemporary historians such as Ziauddin Barani and Firishta wrote detailed accounts of the Tughlaq rulers and their reigns. Barani's "Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi" provides significant insights into the period. Inscriptions : Various inscriptions, including those found on monuments and coins, offer valuable information about the Tughlaq rulers, their policies, and their reigns. Monuments and Architecture : The architectural works and city planning initiatives of the Tughlaq Dynasty, such as the construction of Feroz Shah Kotla and the Tughlaqabad Fort , provide historical context and insights. Coins : Tughlaq-era coins are an important source for understanding the economic policies and administration of the dynasty. They provide information about the currency reforms introduced by Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Tughlaq Dynasty

The Tughlaq Dynasty was a medieval Indian dynasty that ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 14th to the 15th century. Founded by Ghazi Malik, who later took the title of Sultan Ghiyas Ud-Din Tughluq.

One of the most notable rulers of the Tughlaq Dynasty was Muhammad bin Tughluq, who was known for his ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful attempts at centralization and administrative reform, including the ill-fated decision to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in the Deccan region.

Tughlaq Dynasty Map

The Tughlaq Dynasty, at its height, controlled a vast territory in the Indian subcontinent. The dynasty’s domain extended over much of present-day India, including:
Delhi: The capital and centre of the Tughlaq Empire.
North India: Including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan.
Central India: Including Madhya Pradesh and parts of Chhattisgarh.
Eastern India: Bengal and Bihar.
Western India: Gujarat and parts of Maharashtra.
Southern India: The Tughlaqs briefly extended their influence to the Deccan region, including parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Under rulers like Muhammad bin Tughlaq, the empire reached its zenith,

Sources of the Tughlaq Dynasty

Historian	Book
Firishta	Tarikh-i Firishta
Ziauddin Barani	Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi (from the period from the reign of Ghiyas Ud-Din Tughluq to the first 6 years of the reign of Firoz Shah Tughluq)
Abdul Malik Isami	Futuh-us-Salatin (From the reign of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni (r. 998–1002) to Delhi Sultanate till 1349-50)
Yahya bin Ahmad Sirhindi	Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi (from the conquests of Muhammad Ghori (1149-1206) up to 1434.
Shams Siraj Afif	Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi

Tughlaq Dynasty Rulers

Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq (1320-1325)

Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq was the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty in India.
He was the first Sultan of Delhi to call himself Ghazi.
He founded the city of Tughluqabad, now a ruined fort in Delhi.
He defeated the Mongols in 1305 at the Battle of Amroha.
In 1323, Tughluq sent his son Fakhruddin Jauna (later Muhammad bin Tughluq) on an expedition to the Kakatiya capital Warangal.

Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq (1325-1351)

He has been represented by contemporaries as one of the wonders of the age in which he lived.
He was well-versed in various branches of learning i.e. astronomy, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, etc.
In his reign, he conquered Warangal (in present-day Telangana, India) Malabar, Madurai (Tamil Nadu, India), and areas up to the modern-day southern tip of the Indian state of Karnataka.
To improve agriculture, he created the Department of Agriculture (Diwan-i-Amir Kohi).
He was the first sultan to give loans to peasants (known as Sondhar) for agriculture.
The Chinese emperor, Toghan Timur sent an envoy to Delhi in 1341 seeking Mohammed’s permission to build Buddhist temples in the Himalayan region.
Ibn Battuta, the famous traveler, and jurist from Morocco was a guest at his court.
He also sent Ibn Battuta as an envoy to the court of the Mongol Emperor of China.
Muhammad Bin Tughlaq died in 1351 on his way to Thatta, Sindh, while he was campaigning in Sindh against Taghi, a Turkic slave tribe.

Five Major Initiatives

Increase in Taxation in Doab (1326-27)	Increased the rate of taxation.
Moving the capital	In 1327, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq ordered to shift of his capital from Delhi to Devagiri (in present-day Maharashtra). Devagiri was renamed Daulatabad. Within a few years, Muhammad-bin- Tughlaq again ordered the re-establishment of the capital at Delhi (1331). All the residents of Delhi who were living in Devgiri were ordered to return to Delhi.
Introduction of token currency of bronze coins (1329-1330)	In the 13th century, China and Persia used “token currency“.
Qarachil expedition	In 1333, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq led the Qarachil expedition to the Kullu-Kangra region of modern-day Himachal Pradesh.
Proposed Khurasan Expedition	Proposed Khurasan Expedition. Khurasan is a historical region comprising the parts of northeastern Iran, Afghanistan, and southern parts of Central Asia.

Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388)

Tughlaq Dynasty: Firoz Shah Kotla — ***Firoz Shah Kotla***

After the death of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, the Nobles and Theologians selected Firoz Shah as the next Sultan.
He was the longest ruler in the Tughlaq Dynasty (37 years).

During Firoz Tughlaq’s Nagarkot fort (Kangra) campaign in 1365, hundreds of Sanskrit manuscripts were found in the Jwalamukhi Temple library. Later those manuscripts were translated into Persian by his chief poet Azudddin-Khalid-Khani. This book is known as ‘Dalail-i-Firhajshahi‘.

He founded several towns like Firozabad, Hissar, Jaunpur, and Fatehabad.
He was a great builder –
- He built many rest houses (sarai), gardens, and tombs.
- Several madrasas were established for the religious education of Muslims.
- He built Firoz Shah Kotla City in Delhi.
- He built the Firoz Shah Palace Complex (Hisar-e-Firoza) at Hisar, Haryana in 1354. The complex contains an Ashokan pillar.
He waived off the huge amount of money that the people had borrowed during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
He abolished inter-provincial tariffs to promote internal trade and industry.
He imposed four taxes that were permitted by the Shariah:-
- Kharaj (land-revenue),
- Khams (one-fifth of war spoils),
- Jizya (tax collected from non-Muslims) and
- Zakat (tax levied on property for expenditure on religious purposes).
- Another tax (fifth) was also imposed on farmers who used government canal water for irrigation.
He dug five major canals, the longest of which carried water from the Yamuna to the city of Hissar.
He provided money for the marriage of girls from poor families under the department of Diwan-i-khairat.
He built hospitals ( Dar-ul-Shafa ) for free treatment of the poor.
He introduced two mixed metal coins called “Adha” and “Bikh“.
He set up an “Employment Bureau” to solve the problem of unemployment.
He abolished cruel punishments and made the judicial system liberal and humane.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq established Diwan-i-Bandagan (the department for slaves).
His tomb is located in Hauz Khas (New Delhi).
He wrote his biography Futuhat-e-firozshahi.

Timur attacked Delhi during the reign of Sultan Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad in 1398.

Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta was a traveller, explorer, and scholar.
He was born in Morocco in 1304 AD.
After visiting Alexandria, Cairo, Mecca, Aleppo, Damascus, Constantinople, Bokhara, Kabul, and many other places, he came to Sindh in 1333 AD.
He was employed under the Sultan Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq for eight years.
He received a Jagir from the Sultan and was later appointed the “Kazi” of the capital.
After travelling for a long time in South India and Bengal, he travelled to China by way of Java, Sumatra, and the East Indian Peninsula.
He died in 1369 in Morocco.
In his old age, Ibn Battuta recorded his travels in a book called “The Rihla“.

Tughlaq Dynasty Architecture

Monument	Location	Builder	Year of Construction
Tughlaqabad Fort	Delhi	Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq	1321-1325 CE
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s Tomb	Tughlaqabad, Delhi	Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq	1325 CE
Feroz Shah Kotla	Delhi	Feroz Shah Tughlaq	1354 CE
Adilabad Fort	Delhi	Muhammad bin Tughlaq	1327-1328 CE
Hauz Khas Complex	Delhi	Alauddin Khilji (original reservoir), Renovated by Feroz Shah Tughlaq	1352 CE
Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s Tomb	Delhi	Feroz Shah Tughlaq	1388 CE
Jahaz Mahal	Delhi (near Hauz Khas)	Unknown (during Tughlaq reign)	Late 14th century
Bijay Mandal	Delhi	Muhammad bin Tughlaq	1325-1351 CE
Kotla Firoz Shah	Delhi	Feroz Shah Tughlaq	1354 CE
Qutb Minar (renovations)	Delhi	Feroz Shah Tughlaq	Renovation in 1368 CE

Tughlaq Dynasty FAQs

Which dynasty ruled Delhi between 1320 and 1414 CE?

The Tughlaq Dynasty ruled Delhi between 1320 and 1414 CE.

Who ruled Delhi after Tughlaq?

After the Tughlaq Dynasty, the Sayyid Dynasty ruled Delhi. The Sayyid Dynasty held power from 1414 to 1451 CE.

Who was the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty?

The founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty was Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. He established the dynasty in 1320 CE after the death of his predecessor, Sultan Nasiruddin Khilji, and his reign marked the beginning of Tughlaq rule in Delhi.

Tughlaq Dynasty Timeline

1320 CE: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq establishes the Tughlaq Dynasty after the death of Sultan Nasiruddin Khilji.
1320–1325 CE: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq reigns as Sultan of Delhi.
1325 CE: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq dies, and his son Muhammad bin Tughlaq ascends the throne.
1325–1351 CE: Muhammad bin Tughlaq rules. His reign is noted for ambitious and often controversial policies, including the transfer of the capital to Daulatabad and the introduction of token currency.
1351 CE: Muhammad bin Tughlaq dies, and Feroz Shah Tughlaq becomes the Sultan.
1351–1388 CE: Feroz Shah Tughlaq reigns. His rule is marked by extensive public works, including the construction of the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi and various waterworks.
1388 CE: Feroz Shah Tughlaq dies. His successors include his sons and other relatives, but their rule is weakened and marked by instability.
1398 CE: Timur (Tamerlane) invades Delhi, leading to significant devastation and the weakening of Tughlaq rule.
1414 CE: Ibrahim Shah Tughlaq is defeated, and the Sayyid Dynasty takes over.

Who was the last ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty?

The last ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty was Ibrahim Shah Tughlaq. His reign ended in 1414 CE, after which the Sayyid Dynasty succeeded him.

What is the main source of the Tughlaq dynasty?

Historical Chronicles: Contemporary historians such as Ziauddin Barani and Firishta wrote detailed accounts of the Tughlaq rulers and their reigns. Barani’s “Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi” provides significant insights into the period.
Inscriptions: Various inscriptions, including those found on monuments and coins, offer valuable information about the Tughlaq rulers, their policies, and their reigns.
Monuments and Architecture: The architectural works and city planning initiatives of the Tughlaq Dynasty, such as the construction of Feroz Shah Kotla and the Tughlaqabad Fort, provide historical context and insights.
Coins: Tughlaq-era coins are an important source for understanding the economic policies and administration of the dynasty. They provide information about the currency reforms introduced by Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

Tughlaq Dynasty UPSC PSC Questions

The Sultans of which dynasty ruled the country for the longest period?
[UP Lower 2008]

(a) Khilji dynasty
(b) Lodhi dynasty
(c) Slave dynasty
(d) Tughlaq dynasty

Ans: (d) Tughlaq dynasty

Ghazi Malik was the founder of which dynasty?
MPPSC 2017

(a) Tughlaq
(b) Khilji
(c) Sayyid
(d) Lodi
Ans: (a) Tughlaq

Which Sultan of Delhi made a rule that, in any given year, the land revenue can be increased only nominally, viz one-tenth or one-eleventh of the fixed revenue?
UPPSC 2011

(a) Balban
(b) Alauddin Khilji
(c) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(d) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
Ans: (c) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq

Which technique was used in the times of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq for the measurement of Khalisa land?
RPSC 2008

(a) Batai System
(b) Nask System
(c) Galla System
(d) Kankut System
Ans: (d) Kankut System

The most learned ruler of the Delhi Sultanate who was well versed in various branches of learning, including Astronomy, Mathematics, and Medicine was:
UPPSC 2012

(a) Iltutmish
(b) Alauddin Khilji
(c) Muhammad bin Tughluq
(d) Sikandar Lodi
Ans: (c) Muhammad bin Tughluq

The Delhi Sultan who transferred the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (Devagiri) was:
WBCS 2017

(a) Qutbuddin Aibak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Muhammad bin Tughluq
(d) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
Ans: (c) Muhammad bin Tughluq

Who among the following established ‘Diwan-e-amirkothi’ during the Delhi Sultanate?
OPSC 2018

(a) Alauddin Khilji
(b) Firoz Tughlaq
(c) Muhammad bin Tughluq
(d) Iltutmish
Ans: (c) Muhammad bin Tughluq

Which Sultan of Delhi had established a separate agriculture department and had planned the ‘rotation of crops’?
UP Lower 2008

(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Alauddin Khilji
(d) Muhammad bin Tughluq
Ans: (d) Muhammad bin Tughluq

For the first time, token currency was introduced in India by:
UP Lower 2004

(a) Akbar
(b) Alauddin Khilji
(c) Bahlol Lodhi
(d) Muhammad bin Tughluq
Ans: (d) Muhammad bin Tughluq

Who was the first Sultan of Delhi to participate in the public celebration of Holi?
UPPSC 2004

(a) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
(b) Muhammad bin Tughluq
(c) Sikandar Lodi
(d) Ibrahim Lodi
Ans: (b) Muhammad bin Tughluq

Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan traveller, visited India during the reign of:
CGPSC 2013

(a) Muhammad bin Tughluq
(b) Babar
(c) Akbar
(d) Mahmud Ghazni
Ans: (a) Muhammad bin Tughluq

Who among the following has given a detailed description of the postal system during the Sultanate period?
UPPSC 2000

(a) Amir Khusrau
(b) Ibn Battuta
(c) Sultan Firuz Shah
(d) Ziyauddin Barani
Ans: (b) Ibn Battuta

“The king was freed from his people and they from their king.” On whose death did Badayuni comment?
IAS (Pre) 1999

(a) Alauddin Khilji
(b) Balban
(c) Iltutmish
(d) Muhammad bin Tughluq
Ans: (d) Muhammad bin Tughluq

Assertion (A): Muhammad bin Tughluq issued a new gold coin which was called Dinar by Ibn Battuta.
Reason (R): Muhammad bin Tughluq wanted to issue token currency in gold coins to promote trade with West Asian and North African Countries.
[IAS 2006]

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
Ans: (c) A is true, but R is false

The Public Works Department was for the first time established by:
UPPSC 2000

(a) Iltutmish
(b) Balban
(c) Alauddin Khilji
(d) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
Ans: (d) Firuz Shah Tughlaq

The Sultan of Delhi who is reputed to have built the biggest network of canals in India was:
IAS (Pre) 1998

(a) Iltutmish
(b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(c) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
(d) Sikandar Lodi
Ans: (c) Firuz Shah Tughlaq

Who was the first Sultan of Delhi to have levied ‘Haqh-i-sharab’ or irrigation tax?
UPPSC 2010

(a) Alauddin Khilji
(b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(c) Muhammad bin Tughluq
(d) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
Ans: (d) Firuz Shah Tughlaq

Fatehabad district derives its name from the anonymous headquarters town founded by ……… in the 14th century, who named it after his son Fateh Khan.
SSC 2019

(a) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
(b) Alauddin Khilji
(c) Humayun
(d) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Ans: (a) Firuz Shah Tughlaq

Which Delhi Sultan built the maximum number of canals?
BPSC 2015

(a) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Balban
(d) Sikandar Lodi
Ans: (a) Firuz Shah Tughlaq

Who brought two Ashoka Pillars to Delhi from Topra and Meerut?
Exam not specified

(a) Alauddin Khilji
(b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
(c) Muhammad Ghori
(d) Sikandar Lodi
Ans: (b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq

Which Sultan of Delhi had levied ‘Jizya’ on Brahmins?
UPPSC 2011

(a) Balban
(b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
(c) Alauddin Khilji
(d) Muhammad-bin-Tughluq
Ans: (b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq

Which Sultan of Delhi established a ‘Translation Department’ to help both communities understand each other’s ideas better?
UPPSC 2004

(a) Alauddin Khilji
(b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
(c) Iltutmish
(d) Sikandar Lodi
Ans: (b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq

The first Indian ruler to organize Haj Pilgrimage from the state exchequer was:
UPPSC 1998

(a) Alauddin Khilji
(b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
(c) Akbar
(d) Aurangzeb
Ans: (b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq

What was ‘Dar-ul-Shafa’ established by Firuz Shah Tughlaq?
UPPSC 2013

(a) An almhouse
(b) A free hospital
(c) A library
(d) A guest house for pilgrims
Ans: (b) A free hospital

The Sultan of Delhi who was very concerned about charity and alms and established a department called ‘Diwan-i-Khairat’ for it was:
IAS (Pre) 1999

(a) Iltutmish
(b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
(c) Ghiyasuddin Shah
(d) Bahlol Lodi
Ans: (b) Firuz Shah Tughlaq

With reference to medieval Indian rulers, which one of the following statements is correct?
IAS (Pre) 2002

(a) Alauddin Khilji first set up a separate Ariz’s department.
(b) Balban introduced the branding system of horses for his military.
(c) Muhammad-bin-Tughluq was succeeded by his uncle in the military.
(d) Firuz Shah Tughlaq set up a separate department of slaves.
Ans: (d) Firuz Shah Tughlaq set up a separate department of slaves.

In which year did Timur Lang attack India?
MPPSC 2005