Introduction
The Delhi Sultanate period (1206–1526 CE) marked the beginning of centralized Muslim rule in northern India. Modern historians have studied this period in detail, especially focusing on how the state was formed, expanded, and maintained. Different historians have looked at this process through various lenses—political, economic, cultural, and administrative. In this article, we will explore how modern historians understand state formation during the Delhi Sultanate period.
Traditional View of State Formation
Earlier historians, especially those writing during colonial times, saw the Delhi Sultanate as a military conquest-based regime with a foreign ruling class. They focused mainly on the dynasties (Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi) and their rulers’ actions. The administration was viewed as an extension of the Islamic caliphate model, with little integration into Indian society.
This view emphasized:
- Strong military control
- Islamic legal system (Sharia)
- Foreign nature of rulers
Modern Interpretations
Modern historians have moved beyond this narrow view and now see the Delhi Sultanate as a complex and evolving state system. Here are some major approaches:
1. Institutional and Administrative Approach
Historians like I.H. Qureshi and K.A. Nizami focused on the administrative institutions of the Sultanate. They studied how the rulers organized their government, including the roles of the Sultan, wazir (minister), and iqta system (land assignments in return for military service).
The iqta system was key to state formation. It allowed the Sultan to control a large territory through military commanders (iqtadars) who collected revenue and maintained law and order. This helped integrate new regions into the empire.
2. Economic and Revenue-Based Approach
Historians like Satish Chandra and Irfan Habib explored the economic base of the Sultanate state. They emphasized how land revenue was the main source of income and how the state tried to control agriculture and trade to ensure a steady income.
The Delhi Sultanate undertook land surveys, set tax rates, and used officials like the mushrif (accountant) and amils (tax collectors) to ensure revenue collection. These measures reflect a move toward centralized state control.
3. Integration with Indian Society
Recent historians argue that the Delhi Sultanate was not just a foreign imposition but gradually integrated with Indian society. The ruling class adopted Indian customs, used local officials, and built alliances with regional powers.
For example, the Sultans allowed Hindu zamindars to collect taxes and act as intermediaries. Local traditions, languages, and festivals were respected. This cultural blending helped the Sultanate maintain control over a diverse population.
4. Military and Frontier Expansion
Historians have also emphasized the role of military campaigns in state formation. The Delhi Sultans expanded their rule from Delhi to Bengal, Deccan, and Gujarat. Each conquest brought new challenges in administration, integration, and control.
To deal with distant territories, the Sultans used loyal commanders and governors who were expected to send revenue to Delhi. However, this sometimes led to rebellion and the rise of independent states.
5. Urbanization and Cultural Development
The Delhi Sultanate also promoted urban centers, trade, and architecture. Cities like Delhi, Lahore, and Multan became administrative and cultural hubs. The construction of mosques, madrasas (schools), and forts was both political and symbolic—showing state power and religious legitimacy.
Conclusion
Modern historians have shown that the Delhi Sultanate was not just a period of conquest but a time of significant state-building. Through military power, revenue systems, cultural integration, and administrative reforms, the Sultans created a powerful and flexible state. The state formation process during this period was shaped by both Islamic ideas and Indian realities. It laid the foundation for future empires like the Mughals.