The Tughlaq Dynasty, which succeeded the Khalji Dynasty, is known for its ambitious rulers and dramatic changes. This period saw significant developments in administration, economy, and military campaigns, though not without challenges.

1. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320-1325)

Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq founded the Tughlaq Dynasty in 1320. He is known for several key achievements:

• Establishing Tughlaqabad: Ghiyasuddin added Tughlaqabad city to Delhi.
• Courier System: He improved the courier system by replacing men with horses and started the Dawk Chowkies, a network of post stations.
• Military Campaigns: His son, Jauna Khan, defeated Prataparudradeva of the Kakatiya dynasty and annexed the kingdom in 1323.
• Death: Ghiyasuddin died accidentally in 1325. His son Jauna Khan then ascended the throne as Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

2. Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-1351)

Muhammad bin Tughlaq is one of the most controversial figures in medieval Indian history. Known for his ambitious but often flawed reforms, he was a learned and cultured ruler but faced criticism for his harsh methods.

• Jahanpanah City: He added Jahanpanah city to Delhi.
• Token Currency: In 1330, Muhammad introduced token currency (copper coins) to conserve precious metals like gold and silver. However, due to widespread counterfeiting, the currency failed, and the Sultan eventually had to exchange copper coins for silver, depleting the treasury.
• Capital Shift: To escape Mongol invasions and better control South India, Muhammad decided to move the capital from Delhi to Devagiri (Daulatabad). The entire population was forced to relocate, leading to hardship and death for many. The move was later reversed after two years.
• Tax Increases: He raised taxes in the fertile Ganga-Yamuna Doab region to boost revenue. The increase was steep and poorly timed during a period of drought.
• Agricultural Reforms: Muhammad introduced Takkavi loans for farmers and established the Diwan-i-Kohi, a department for agriculture.
• Death: He died due to sunstroke in the Sindh desert while dealing with the rebellion of Taghi in 1351.

3. Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388)

Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who succeeded his cousin Muhammad bin Tughlaq, was known for his numerous construction projects and administrative reforms:

• Jaziya Tax: He reinstated the Jaziya tax on non-Muslims.
• Cultural Preservation: He destroyed the Jwalamukhi temple but also protected Sanskrit scriptures and initiated their translation into Persian.
• Irrigation: Firoz Shah was notable for linking rivers and providing irrigation through four canals. He was called the ‘father of the irrigation department’ by the British for his extensive work in irrigation.
• Charity and Welfare: He established the Diwan-i-Khairat (office for charity) and the Diwan-i-Bundagan (department of slaves). He also built Sarais (rest houses) for merchants and travelers.
• Urban Development: Firoz Shah founded several new towns, including Firozabad, Fatehabad, Jaunpur, and Hissar.
• Healthcare: He built hospitals known as Darul-Shifa, Bimaristan, or Shifa Khana.
• Death: Firoz Shah died in 1388. After his death, Muhammad Shah Tughlaq ascended the throne. During Muhammad Shah’s rule, Timur (Tamerlane) invaded and devastated Delhi in 1398.

Decline and Legacy

Timur’s invasion left Delhi in ruins, and Sultan Muhammad Shah fled the city. Muhammad Shah managed to rule until 1412, after which the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties took over, ruling the declining empire until the rise of the Mughal Empire in 1526.

This period of Tughlaq dynasty was marked by both grand ambitions and significant challenges, shaping the history of medieval India.