Khilji dynasty
Also called: Khalji dynasty · Topic: Turkic Invasions and the Delhi Sultanate · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 2 "Reshaping India's Political Map"
Meaning
The Khiljis (also spelled Khaljis) were the second of the five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. They came after the Mamluks and before the Tughlaqs. Jalaluddin Khilji founded the dynasty in 1290, and it ruled until 1320. Its greatest ruler, Alauddin Khilji, pushed back several Mongol invasions. He also sent armies deep into central and southern India. His coins called him "Sikander Sani", which means "the second Alexander".
Example
At the turn of the 14th century, Alauddin's slave-general Malik Kafur led campaigns far to the south. He attacked temple centres such as Srirangam, Madurai and Chidambaram. The plunder paid for the Sultanate's huge army.
Don't confuse with
- Bakhtiyar Khilji: he was a general of Qutb-ud-din Aibak who destroyed Nalanda and Vikramashila around 1200. He came before this dynasty and was not part of it.
Related concepts
- Jalaluddin Khalji
- Alauddin Khalji
- Mongol invasions of India
- Siri Fort
- Hauz Khas
- Alai Darwaza
- Market reforms of Alauddin Khalji
- Diwan-i-Riyasat
- Shahna-i-Mandi
- Dagh and chehra