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The Lodi dynasty was a medieval Indian dynasty that ruled over the Delhi Sultanate from 1451 to 1526. It marked the last phase of the Delhi Sultanate before the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India. The Lodi dynasty was founded by Bahlul Khan Lodi, who seized control of the throne after overthrowing the previous Sayyid dynasty.
Introduction: Lodi Dynasty
- The Lodi dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1451 to 1526.
- The dynasty was founded by Bahlol Lodi.
Notable Rulers
Bahlol Lodi (1451–1489 CE)
- Bahlol Lodi was the governor of Sirhind during the reign of Muhammad Shah (Sayyid dynasty).
- Bahlol fought a war against the Sharqi dynasty and annexed Jaunpur. He placed his eldest surviving son Barbak on the throne of Jaunpur in 1486.
- Afghan Amirs and Umrahs considered the Sultan as their equal. Bahlol Lodi had to be satisfied with the status of “first among equals“. He used to maintain brotherhood with all the Amirs and soldiers.”
Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517 CE)
- He made an effort to recover the lost territories which once were a part of the Delhi Sultanate and manages to expand his rule into the regions of Gwalior and Bihar.
- He founded the city of Agra in 1504 CE as a convenient base for expeditions against Etawa, Bayana, Aligarh, Gwalior, and Dholpur.
- He made a non-aggression treaty with Alauddin Hussain Shah of Bengal.
- He wrote poetry in Persian under the pen name “Gul Rukhi”.
- He introduced Gaz-i-Sikandar for measuring agricultural land.
- He banned women from visiting the Mazars (mausoleums) of saints.
Ibrahim Lodi (1517–1526 CE)
- Ibrahim Lodi was the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate.
- He was defeated and killed at the Battle of Panipat (20 April 1526).
- He was the first Sultan to die in a battlefield.
- Khwaja Khizr Tomb was built by Ibrahim Lodi near Sonipat.
- Ibrahim Lodi’s tomb is located in Panipat.