1. Introduction
2. Khizr Khan (1414-1421 AD)
2.1. Background
2.2. Reign of Khizr Khan
3. Mubarak Shah (1421-1434 AD)
3.1. Background
3.2. Reign of Mubarak Shah
4. Muhammad Shah (1434-1445 AD)
4.1. Background
4.2. Reign of Muhammad Shah
5. Ala-ud-din Shah (1445-1451 AD)
6. Administration of the Sayyid Dynasty
6.1. Background
6.2. Administration of Sayyid Dynasty
7. Economy of Sayyid Dynasty
7.1. Features
7.2. Economic Disadvantage
8. Reasons for Decline of Sayyid Dynasty
8.1. Background
8.2. Reasons for Decline
9. Conclusion
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Topic – Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 AD) (Notes)
Subject – History
(Early Medieval Indian History)
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Sayyid dynasty succeeded the Tughlaq dynasty as the fourth dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. From 1414 to 1451, they reigned the country for 37 years. They were founded by Khizir Khan, the ruler of Multan and Timur’s Indian deputy. A family claiming to be Sayyids or descendants of Mohammed created the Sayyid Dynasty. This dynasty rose to power in the midst of immense turbulence in Delhi and nearby regions.
- Sayyid dynasty replaced the Tughlaq dynasty and governed the Sultanate until the Lodhi dynasty displaced them.
- This dynasty was founded by Khizr Khan who served as Governor of Multan under Firuz Shah Tughlaq.
- With the death of Mubarak Shah, the second ruler of the dynasty, a decline of the Sayyid dynasty was fostered.
- Muhammad Shah and Alauddin Alam Shah were weak monarchs who ultimately were replaced by Bahlol Lodhi.
- The rulers of the Sayyid dynasty claimed descent from the prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and son-in-law Ali. This claim is supported by Tarikh-i-Mubarak shahi written by Yahya Sirhindi.
Khizr Khan (1414 – 1421 AD)
Sayyid Khizr Khan was the ruler and founder of the Sayyid dynasty who ruled from 1414 to 1421 in northern India soon after the invasion of Timur and the fall of the Tughlaq dynasty. He served as Governor of Multan under Firuz Shah Tughlaq, the Tughlaq king, and was regarded as a capable administrator. He was ruling under the name of Timur and didn’t assume an independent position. During his reign, coins bearing the names of earlier Tughlaq emperors were being produced. His son Mubarak Khan succeeded him after his death in 1421.
Background
- Sayyid Khizr Khan spent his childhood at the residence of Nasiruddin Mardan Daulat, the Governor of Multan.
- Due to his efficiency and military prowess, Sultan Firoz Tughluq named Khizr Khan as Governor of Multan after Mardan Daulat’s death.
- After Firoz Tughluq’s death, Khizr Khan became involved in the succession conflict.
- When Timur invaded India in 1398, he joined hands with him and quickly became his favourite due to his intellect and devotion.
- He rose through the ranks of Timur’s army to become its commander.
- When Timur went after conquering and plundering India, he designated Khizr Khan as his deputy in India.
- Khizr Khan started to oversee the administration of conquered territories and bestowed sovereign powers on him.
- The situation in Delhi gradually deteriorated after Timur’s departure.
- The governors of Malwa, Jaunpur, and Gujarat refused to recognise the Delhi Sultanate under Daulat Khan, and also the court of Delhi was ruled by corrupt nobles.
- Daulat Khan secured his hold over Delhi for the time being but when he died, confusion and disorder lingered in the kingdom.
- Khizr Khan took advantage of the opportunity and in 1414 AD, he overcame Daulat Khan and became the Sultan of Delhi.
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