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If you look back in the history of India, you will find many kings and dynasties that have made an important impact on the political and social landscape of the country. But one dynasty stands out among all the others.
The Khilji Dynasty were one of the Islamic empires which reigned over the Indian subcontinent from 1290 A.D. to 1320 A.D. The Khiljis were of Turko-Afghan origin, and they succeeded the Delhi Sultanate. It was not only one of the longest-running dynasties but it also features some of the most ruthless and efficient rulers India has ever seen.
Some of the most iconic buildings in India today are built during the Khilji Dynasty. The dynasty is known for its architectural achievements, such as the Qutb Minar and Alai Darwaza. They also patronised artists, such as Amir Khusrow. Under the Khilji dynasty, the Delhi Sultanate briefly expanded to contain the whole of the Indian subcontinent with the exception of the southern tip and the Maldives, but the golden age of the empire was short-lived. This article will look at the Khilji dynasty and the achievements of this great empire.
Who were the Khilji Dynasty?
First established in 1290, the Khalji dynasty served as a second-in-command for the Muslim Sultanate of Delhi from 1290 until 1320. The Khilji family was originally from Turkey, although they had been in Afghanistan for a long time. Invasion of the Hindu south by its three rulers was well-known for its ferocity.
Jalal al-Din Firuz Khalji was founded by a noble faction after the death of Kay-Qubdh, the last weak Slave ruler. Because he was elderly and his family was suspected of being Afghan, Jalal al-Din was afraid to go to the city. In 1296, Juna Khan came to Ellichpur to avenge his uncle’s death.
Ala al-Din Khalji was controlled by Juna Khan for 20 years. Ranthambore (1301) and Chitor (1302) were taken after he destroyed the Hindu kingdom of Devagiri (Chittorgarh; 1303). Eradicated Mongol invading forces When Al-lieutenant Din’s Malik Kafur raided to the south in 1308, he captured Warangal, defeated the Hoysala dynasty, and occupied Madura in the deep south. In 1311, Malik Kafur made a triumphant return to New Delhi. After it, the fortunes of the Ala al- Din’s dynasty began to decline. The coup attempt of Malik Kafur was thwarted when he died in the first months of 1316.
It was Ghiyas al-Din Tughluq, the first monarch of the Tughluq family, who took over as Khilji when Qub al-Din Mubarak Shah was assassinated in 1320.
Architecture and Art of the Khilji period:
In late 13th-century India, architecture under the Khalji dynasty was still in its infancy, with little progress being achieved in the field. A Muslim dynasty known as the Khaljis was the second to rule Delhi. During his reign in Delhi in 1296, Ala-ud-din Khalji made great architectural advances. For him, Islamic architecture was a big part of his life’s work. In Delhi, the monarch expanded the Qutb mosque and erected the Siri Fort.
The Khalji dynasty was responsible for preserving the architectural heritage of Islamic architecture. Khilji architecture was mostly created by Ala-ud-din Khalji. The Qutb mosque was erected by his ancestors. On its northern extremity, he constructed a huge minaret. A century ago, the Slave Kings’ minar was double the size of this one. Despite being buried by rubble, the mosque’s main walls may still be seen.
Khalji architecture was a masterwork because of its skillfully managed integration of creative expertise. Qutb Minar and Alai Darwaza are reflections of this truth, Alai Darwaza was completed in the year 1305, according to legend. This is the southern entrance hall of Ala ud-din Khalji’s courtyard. A whole new appearance and more mature modifications were achieved with the assistance of experts. Arches’ shape and creativity, walling method, dome concept and support system, and surface decoration make the Alai Darwaza a one-of-a-kind piece of architectural art.
Indigenous characteristics are included in the design of the Alai Darwaza. Indian-style fabric goes throughout the pattern, sometimes as a border and other times as a big chunk. This building’s masterful fusion of the two styles has resulted in an amazing piece of art. Ala ud-din Khalji planned four entrances to the Alai Darwaza mosque: two on the long eastern side and one each on the north and south. Only the southern entrance was completed of the remaining components. With this amazing architectural wonder erected by the Sultan, he could see how the building was progressing.
The Alai Darwaza is a stunning Islamic structure designed in indigenous style. Not only does the structure show the Khalji dynasty’s architectural development, but also represents Islamic architecture.
Additionally, in 1303 the Khilji Dynasty erected Siri Fort, one of Delhi’s seven cities, as well as the Jamaat Khana Masjid, which is next to a renowned saint’s cemetery in the vicinity. Near Qutb, further buildings were constructed. One is a university and the other is the tomb of Ala-ud-din Khalji. It was also erected during the Khalji dynasty for the Ukha Masjid in Bayana, Rajasthan. This mosque was built by the last Khalji Sultan, Qutb-ud-din Mubarak (1316-20).
The Siri Fort in Delhi was erected by the Khalji dynasty. It was built to resist several Mongol incursions, and it has done so successfully. Furthermore, Siri Fort was also home to Khalji living quarters as well as other constructions. Only Ala-ud-din Khalji’s 1,000-pillar fortress, Hazar Sutun, remains inside Siri Fort. The architectural legacy of the Khalji dynasty was ended with the death of Sultan Mubarik.
The last Khilji Emperor:
Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Shah Khilji was Ala-ud-din Khilji’s son. He evaded the hands of Malik Kafur and became the third and last sultan of the Khilji dynasty. His six-year-old sister’s first adviser was Qutb-ud-din, who was only 18 years old at the time. After blinding his brother, Qutb-ud-din rose to power in under two months. In the beginning, he freed a large number of convicts and removed all of his father’s obligations and punishments. The administration’s weak spot was Qutb-ud-din.
As a result of Mubarak’s fragile rule in Delhi, Khusro Khan assassinated Mubarak Shah in 1320 and then took control of the kingdom.
Conclusion
The Khilji Dynasty was one of the most powerful dynasties in the history of India and had a great impact on Indian History. We hope that you enjoyed this article on the Khilji Dynasty in India. The Khalji Dynasty was powerful and advanced for their time, and they helped India to flourish. We hope that this article has helped you to learn more about the Khilji Dynasty.
