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The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) — Interactive Timeline

Five dynasties that ruled north India from Delhi for over three centuries, before the Mughals arrived.

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TL;DR: Five dynasties that ruled north India from Delhi for over three centuries, before the Mughals arrived.

Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated Jul 13, 2026

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The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) (Class 7–12): Five dynasties that ruled north India from Delhi for over three centuries, before the Mughals arrived. This interactive timeline covers 8 key events from 1206 – 1526.

Why it matters: The order of the five dynasties and rulers like Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq are standard medieval-history questions.

The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) — Timeline of Key Events

YearEvent
1206Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty begins. Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave of Muhammad Ghori, founded the Delhi Sultanate and began building the Qutb Minar.
1236Razia Sultana. Daughter of Iltutmish, Razia became the first and only woman to rule the Delhi Sultanate — an able ruler, though opposed by nobles.
1290Khalji Dynasty. Jalal-ud-din Khalji founded the dynasty. Alauddin Khalji (from 1296) expanded into the Deccan and introduced market-price controls and a strong army.
1320Tughlaq Dynasty. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq founded the dynasty. Muhammad bin Tughlaq is remembered for his ambitious but failed schemes — shifting the capital to Daulatabad and token currency.
1398Timur’s invasion. Timur (Tamerlane) invaded India and sacked Delhi, leaving the Sultanate badly weakened.
1414Sayyid Dynasty. The Sayyids ruled a much-reduced Sultanate for a few decades amid decline and instability.
1451Lodi Dynasty. The Afghan Lodis were the last dynasty. Sikandar Lodi founded Agra; the dynasty’s rule ended in defeat at Panipat.
1526End at Panipat. Ibrahim Lodi was defeated and killed by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat, ending the Sultanate and beginning the Mughal Empire.

Quick Recap — Dates to Remember

  • 1206: Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty begins
  • 1236: Razia Sultana
  • 1290: Khalji Dynasty
  • 1320: Tughlaq Dynasty
  • 1398: Timur’s invasion
  • 1414: Sayyid Dynasty
  • 1451: Lodi Dynasty
  • 1526: End at Panipat

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