Delhi Sultanate (1206 - 1526)
Archaeological Sources
Monuments
Magnificent, massive structures built by Sultans
Qutab Minar
Built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in memory of a saint named Qutub-ud-din, finished by Iltutmish
72.5m tall circular tower
Five storeys tapering as they ascend; seperated by projecting balconies
Entrance to the tower is through the doorway on the Northern side
Red sandstone, marble and grey quartzite were used in construction
Many writings and floral motifs engraved onto the tower
Inscriptions
Engraved decorative lettering
Pehowa Inscription
Belonged to the Pratihara king Mahendrapala
Beginning of Sultanate
8th - 10th Centuries there was no strong central authority
Regional rulers were always at war for control over strategic regions
No unity; India was susceptible to foreign invasion
Constant strifes exposed the political weaknesses of India
Invasion of Muhammad Ghori
Internal dissension among rulers made them a common prey to Muslim conquest
In 1192, Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, ruler of Ajmer and Delhi
History
The Delhi Sultanate was the period between 1206-1526CE
After Muhammad Ghori left India, his slave military commander Qutbuddin Aibak assumed sovereign power
Five ruling dynasties
Slave dynasty
Khilji Dynasty
Tughlaq Dynasty
Sayyid Dynasty
Lodi Dynasty
Mosques
Tombs
Palaces
Gateways
Suggests Delhi was founded by the Rajput clan of Tomaras in 736AD
Sarban Inscription
Found in the village of Sarban, S. Delhi
Contains a brief account of the history of Delhi until the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq