Delving Into Delhi's Past: From the 12th to the 15th Century
The transformation of Delhi into a capital
Delhi has an aura that instantly grips its visitors, its historical tapestry woven with countless threads of culture and heritage. Let me take you on a journey from the 12th to 15th Century, when Delhi transformed from a mere city into the capital of a kingdom. It first became the capital under the reign of the Tomara Rajputs. This period saw the city becoming a bustling commercial centre, with Jaina merchants minting coins that had wide circulation. This era also witnessed the capital city's metamorphosis into a power hub controlling vast regions of the subcontinent.
Delhi Under the Sultans: Navigating Justice and Inequalities
Moving forward to when the Delhi Sultanate was founded, the key to understanding this period is the Persian term 'tarikh', which refers to histories. These chronicles advised rulers on maintaining just governance. Perhaps, the most significant perspective is illustrated by 'The Circle of Justice', a concept put forward by Fakhr-i Mudabbin in the 13th Century. It encapsulates the symbiotic relationship between the king, his soldiers and the peasants.
A Quintessential Plot Twist: The Reign of a Queen
In the midst of the masculine stronghold over ruling power, it's quite fascinating that Sultan Iltutmish's daughter, Raziyya, claimed the throne in 1236. Raziyya defied the gender norms of that era, and openly acknowledged her femininity while being a ruler. This daring act unsettled many nobles who wished to constrain her, ultimately leading to her dethronement in 1240.
The Khaljis and Tughluqs: An Administrative Overview
The Khaljis and Tughluqs were presented with a significant challenge when consolidating the vast kingdom of the Delhi Sultanate - managing reliable administrators. Hence, an interesting decision was made to appoint slaves, or 'bandagan' as they were known. These slaves, holding high political offices, were loyal to their masters but not the heirs, hence, budding conflicts were an inevitability.
Taming the Territories: Charging the Chieftains
Conversion of the hinterland cities into territories under the realm of the Delhi Sultanate marked the imposing authority of Sultanate forces. This was well illustrated during the reign of Alauddin Khalji when the assessment and collection of land revenue were enforced.
The Resilience of the Chiefs: Bamboo Fortresses
As a historian, the narrative narrated by Ibn Battuta, a 14th Century Moroccan traveller, left me spellbound. It encapsulates how local chieftains, hiding in bamboo groves and uneven terrains, shielded themselves from the Sultanate domination. Defeating them called for larger armies and specially crafted instruments to cut down the bamboos.
A brief look at the 15th and 16th Century
The turn of the 15th Century saw the rule of the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties. Notably small yet efficient and well-administered states like that of Sher Shah Sur challenge the Mughal emperor Humayun. Sher Shah's administration paved the way for the Mughal Empire's consolidation under Emperor Akbar.
As a historian, peering into the past is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. With every piece that falls into place, the picture becomes clearer, rendering a deeper understanding. A closer look at the intriguing period from the 12th to 15th Century in Delhi reveals a tale of the city's dramatic transformation from a mere city to a power centre. Indeed, history, if viewed through an empathetic lens, is a time machine that offers an enlightening journey into our past.
