Page 1 - Notes

SAI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

SUB – HISTORY

STD VII

CH-3 The Delhi Sultans

Sub-Topic:From Garrison Town to Empire:

The Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate

(i) In the early thirteenth century, the control of the Delhi Sultans rarely
went beyond heavily fortified towns occupied by garrisons.

(ii) The Sultans seldom controlled the hinterland of the cities and were
therefore dependent upon trade, tribute or plunder for supplies.

(iii) Controlling garrison towns in distant Bengal and Sind from Delhi was
extremely difficult. Rebellion, war, even bad weather could snap fragile
communication routes.

(iv)The state was also challenged by Mongol invasions from Afghanistan
and by governors who rebelled at any sign of the Sultan’s weakness.

(v) The Sultanate barely survived these challenges. Its expansion occurred
during the reigns of GhiyasuddinBalban, AlauddinKhalji and Muhammad
Tughluq.

(vi)The first set of campaigns along the “internal frontier” of the Sultanate
aimed at consolidating the hinterlands of the garrison towns. During these
campaigns, forests were cleared in the Ganga-Yamuna doab and hunter-
gatherers and pastoralists expelled from their habitat.

(vii)These lands were given to peasants and agriculture was encouraged.
New fortresses and towns were established to protect trade routes and to
promote regional trade.

(viii)The second expansion occurred along the “external frontier” of the
Sultanate. Military expeditions into southern India started during the reign
of AlauddinKhalji and culminated with Muhammad Tughluq.

(ix) In their campaigns, Sultanate armies captured elephants, horses and
slaves and carried away precious metals.