Table of Contents
Introduction: Sayyid Dynasty
The Sayyid Dynasty was a short-lived medieval dynasty that ruled over the Delhi Sultanate in India during the 14th and early 15th centuries. The dynasty was founded by Khizr Khan.
The Sayyid Dynasty faced numerous challenges during its rule, including internal rebellions, regional uprisings, and external threats from neighboring kingdoms. Despite these challenges, the Sayyid rulers managed to maintain a degree of stability and order in the Delhi Sultanate.
Ultimately, the Sayyid Dynasty was unable to establish a strong and enduring rule over the Delhi Sultanate. In 1451, the last Sayyid ruler, Alam Shah, was overthrown by Bahlul Khan Lodi, who established the Lodi Dynasty.
Important Points: Sayyid Dynasty
- The Sayyid dynasty was the fourth dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
- Sayyid is an honorific title denoting people accepted as descendants of the Prophet Muhammad.
- According to Takhrikh-i-Mubarak Shahi (written by Yahya Sirhindi), Khizr Khan was a descendant of the Prophet.
- This family claimed to be Sayyids or descendants of the Prophet Muhammad.
Khizr Khan (1414–1421 CE)
- Khizr Khan captured Delhi on 28 May 1414 thereby establishing the Sayyid dynasty.
- Before he was appointed by Timur as deputy of Multan (Punjab).
- Khizr Khan did not take the title of Sultan but continued his allegiance to Timur as Rayat-i-Ala (vassal) of the Timurid Empire.
Mubarak Shah (1421–1434 CE)
- The biggest threat to his power was from Jasrat Khokhar (a local chieftain from Punjab). Mubarak Shah defeated Jasrat Khokhar but the Sultan lost many of his territories.
- During his period, Yahya bin Ahmad Sarhindi wrote a book called ‘Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi‘. This book contains very reliable information about the reign of Mubarak Shah.
Muhammad Shah (1434–1445 CE)
Alam Shah (1445–1451 CE)
- Alam Shah abandoned Delhi and retired to Budaun (Budaun was the capital of Delhi Sultanate for four years from 1210 CE to 1214 CE during Sultan Iltutmish) in 1448.
- Three years later, Bahlol Lodi took control of Delhi thus marking the beginning of the Lodi dynasty.