I. The Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty (1206–1290 AD)

Following Muhammad Ghori's death in 1206 AD, Qutb-ud-din Aibak founded the Mamluk Dynasty. The real consolidation occurred under Iltutmish (1211–1236 AD), who saved the Sultanate from Chenghiz Khan's wrath by refusing asylum to the Jalaluddin Mangabarni. He introduced the Iqta system and the silver Tanka and copper Jital in 1211 AD.

Ghiyasuddin Balban rose to power in 1266 AD. He realized that the Sultanate's prestige had faded under Iltutmish's successors. He destroyed the "Corps of Forty" (Chahalgani) and introduced Persian courtly etiquette, Sijda and Paibos, in 1270 AD to instill fear and respect in the nobility.

II. The Khalji Dynasty: Revolution and Reform (1290–1320 AD)

Alauddin Khalji ascended the throne in 1296 AD. His reign was defined by radical economic intervention. By 1300 AD, he fixed the prices of all essential commodities—from grain to cloth—ensuring his massive standing army could survive on low pay. He appointed Shahna-i-Mandi (market controllers) to enforce these laws.

Between 1307 AD and 1311 AD, Alauddin’s general Malik Kafur led four massive expeditions into the Deccan, defeating the Yadavas, Kakatiyas, and Hoysalas. This marked the first time a Northern Sultan had successfully projected power deep into Southern India.

III. Tughlaq’s Administrative Reforms (1320–1414 AD)

In 1327 AD, Muhammad bin Tughlaq ordered the entire population of Delhi to move to Daulatabad (Devagiri) to better manage his Southern territories. The logistical disaster forced a return to Delhi in 1335 AD, severely weakening the Sultanate's economy.

Inspired by Chinese paper currency, Tughlaq introduced bronze/copper tokens in 1329 AD that held the value of silver Tankas. Without a state monopoly on minting, every goldsmith’s house became a mint, leading to massive devaluation by 1330 AD.

Firoz Shah Tughlaq reversed his predecessor’s volatility. In 1355 AD, he constructed a massive network of irrigation canals and established Diwan-i-Khairat (charity department) to provide for the poor. He founded cities like Firozabad and Hissar by 1360 AD.

IV. Bhakti & Sufi Movements: Cultural Synthesis

Sufi saints like Nizamuddin Auliya (d. 1325 AD) preached Sulh-i-kul (peace with all). Their Khanqahs became centers of cross-cultural dialogue. In 1236 AD, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s shrine in Ajmer became a focal point for both Hindu and Muslim devotees.

Radical Bhakti saints like Kabir (c. 1440 AD) and Guru Nanak (b. 1469 AD) challenged the Varna system and religious dogma. Their emphasis on vernacular languages—Hindi and Punjabi—democratized spirituality and laid the foundation for modern Indian literature.

V. Sultanate Architecture Style (1206–1526 AD)

The Sultanate introduced the Arcuate system (arches and domes) to India. The Alai Darwaza, built in 1311 AD, features the first true arch and the first horseshoe arch in India. This replaced the indigenous Trabeate (beam and lintel) method.

Tughlaq architecture was characterized by sloping walls (batter) for strength, seen in Tughlaqabad (1321 AD). Later, the Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526 AD) introduced the double dome and octagonal tomb designs in the Lodi Gardens of Delhi by 1500 AD.