The Turko-Afghan rule in India lasted for about?
VerifiedAnswer: Three centuries
Explanation:
The Turko-Afghan rule in India, commonly known as the Delhi Sultanate period, lasted for approximately three centuries from the early 13th century to the early 16th century. This period marked a significant chapter in Indian history when various Turkish and Afghan dynasties established their dominance over large parts of the Indian subcontinent.
The foundation of Turko-Afghan rule began with Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206 CE, who established the first Turkish dynasty in Delhi after the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan. This marked the beginning of the Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, which was the first of the five major dynasties that would rule during the Delhi Sultanate period.
Throughout these three centuries, five main dynasties ruled over different periods:
• The Slave Dynasty (1206-1290 CE) - Founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak
• The Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320 CE) - Notable for Alauddin Khilji's reign
• The Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 CE) - Including Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Firoz Shah Tughlaq
• The Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 CE) - A shorter period of rule
• The Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526 CE) - The last of the Delhi Sultanate dynasties
The Turko-Afghan rule came to an end with the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE, when Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. This victory marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India, effectively ending the three-century-long Turko-Afghan dominance.
During these three centuries, the Turko-Afghan rulers made significant contributions to Indian culture, architecture, and administration. They introduced new administrative systems, built magnificent monuments like the Qutub Minar, and facilitated cultural exchanges between Central Asian and Indian traditions. However, their rule was also marked by constant warfare, both against local rulers and among themselves, which eventually weakened their hold over the territory.
The three-century timeframe represents a period of political consolidation, cultural transformation, and architectural development that laid the groundwork for subsequent Mughal rule in India. Understanding this duration helps students appreciate the significant impact these dynasties had on shaping medieval Indian history and society.
