The Khalji Dynasty (1290-1320) : Medieval Indian History

A little-known fact about the Khalji dynasty is that it marked the zenith of Muslim imperialism in India. Jalaluddin Khalji, the founder of this dynasty, was able to conquer Delhi and establish Muslim rule over north India for the first time.

It was founded by Jalal-ud-din Khalji who ruled from 1290 to 1296. The Khilji dynasty succeeded the Mamluk Dynasty or the Slave dynasty (1206-1290) that was ruled by the early Turkish rulers like Qutbuddin Aibak, Shamsuddin Iltutmish, Raziya and Ghiyasuddin Balban.

Alauddin Khalji was the first Delhi Sultan to depart from the practice of styling the sultan as the Caliph’s deputy and to receive investiture from him. Alauddin Khalji’s son Qutb-ud-din Mubarak assumed the title of Khalifa for himself. Khalji Dynasty was succeeded by the Tughlaq Dynasty.