# Alauddin Khalji > 13th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and 2nd from the Khalji dynasty (1266-1316) **Wikidata**: [Q335362](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q335362) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alauddin_Khalji) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alauddin-khalji ## Summary Alauddin Khalji was the 13th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and the second ruler of the Khalji dynasty, reigning from 1266 to 1316. He is notable as a politician and a member of the human species, with his rule marking a significant period in the history of the Delhi Sultanate. ## Biography - Born: 1266 - Nationality: Indian - Education: Not specified - Known for: Reigning as the 13th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate - Employer(s): Delhi Sultanate - Field(s): Politics, governance ## Contributions Alauddin Khalji's reign as Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate (1266–1316) is marked by significant administrative and military reforms. He implemented the *iqtadari* system, which centralized land distribution under the state, and introduced the *sijada* tax, a land revenue system that became a cornerstone of Delhi Sultanate governance. His reign also saw the construction of the Qutub Minar, a landmark in Delhi. Additionally, he established the *diwan-i-arz*, a department for public grievances, and the *diwan-i-khairat*, a welfare department. His military campaigns expanded the Sultanate's territories, including the conquest of Gujarat and Bengal. However, his policies also led to economic hardships and social unrest, contributing to his eventual downfall. ## FAQs **What was Alauddin Khalji's primary role?** Alauddin Khalji served as the 13th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, ruling from 1266 to 1316. His reign was marked by significant administrative and military reforms. **What reforms did Alauddin Khalji implement?** Alauddin Khalji introduced the *iqtadari* system, the *sijada* tax, and established the *diwan-i-arz* and *diwan-i-khairat* departments. He also expanded the Sultanate's territories through military campaigns. **What were the consequences of Alauddin Khalji's reign?** His policies led to economic hardships and social unrest, contributing to his eventual downfall. Despite this, his administrative reforms had a lasting impact on the Delhi Sultanate. ## Why They Matter Alauddin Khalji's reign as Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate was pivotal in shaping the administrative and military structures of the region. His reforms, such as the *iqtadari* system and the *sijada* tax, became foundational to the governance of the Delhi Sultanate. His military campaigns expanded the Sultanate's territories, while his establishment of welfare departments reflected his concern for public welfare. Despite the economic and social challenges he faced, his legacy endures in the lasting influence of his administrative innovations. ## Notable For - Implemented the *iqtadari* system, centralizing land distribution under the state. - Introduced the *sijada* tax, a land revenue system that became a cornerstone of Delhi Sultanate governance. - Established the *diwan-i-arz* and *diwan-i-khairat* departments, reflecting his focus on public welfare. - Expanded the Sultanate's territories through military campaigns, including the conquest of Gujarat and Bengal. - Constructed the Qutub Minar, a landmark in Delhi. ## Body ### Early Life and Ascension to Power Alauddin Khalji was born in 1266 and ascended to the throne as the 13th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, succeeding his father, Jalal ud din Khalji. His reign marked the beginning of the Khalji dynasty, which would last until 1320. ### Administrative Reforms One of Alauddin Khalji's most significant contributions was the implementation of the *iqtadari* system, which centralized land distribution under the state. This system replaced the previous *iqta* system, which had been decentralized. The *iqtadari* system allowed the state to have more control over the land, which was crucial for maintaining stability and revenue. In addition to the *iqtadari* system, Alauddin Khalji introduced the *sijada* tax, a land revenue system that became a cornerstone of Delhi Sultanate governance. The *sijada* tax was a fixed-rate tax on cultivated land, which was collected annually. This system was more efficient than the previous *kharaj* tax, which was based on the yield of the land. ### Military Campaigns and Territorial Expansion Alauddin Khalji's reign was also marked by significant military campaigns. He expanded the Sultanate's territories through conquests, including the conquest of Gujarat and Bengal. His military campaigns were successful, and he was able to establish a strong presence in the region. ### Construction and Infrastructure Alauddin Khalji's reign saw the construction of several important structures, including the Qutub Minar in Delhi. The Qutub Minar is a 73-meter-tall minaret and "victory tower" that forms part of the Qutub complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi. ### Welfare and Public Administration Alauddin Khalji was also known for his focus on public welfare. He established the *diwan-i-arz*, a department for public grievances, and the *diwan-i-khairat*, a welfare department. These departments were responsible for addressing the needs of the people and ensuring that the state's policies were beneficial to the public. ### Economic and Social Challenges Despite his administrative and military successes, Alauddin Khalji's reign was also marked by economic and social challenges. His policies led to economic hardships and social unrest, contributing to his eventual downfall. His heavy taxation and military campaigns drained the state's resources, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. ### Legacy and Influence Alauddin Khalji's legacy endures in the lasting influence of his administrative innovations. His reforms, such as the *iqtadari* system and the *sijada* tax, became foundational to the governance of the Delhi Sultanate. His military campaigns expanded the Sultanate's territories, while his establishment of welfare departments reflected his concern for public welfare. Despite the economic and social challenges he faced, his legacy continues to be studied and admired by historians and scholars. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. Quora 3. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/alaeddin-halaci) 4. HMML Authority File