# Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq

> 17th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and 1st from the Tughluq dynasty

**Wikidata**: [Q1391172](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1391172)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghiyath_al-Din_Tughluq)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ghiyath-al-din-tughluq

## Summary
Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq was the 17th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and the founder of the Tughluq dynasty, which ruled from 1320 to 1413. As a sovereign, he established a new era of governance in the Delhi Sultanate, marking a significant transition in medieval Indian history. His reign began in 1320 after succeeding Khusrau Khan, and he ruled until his death in 1325.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1250 (exact place unknown)  
- **Nationality**: Delhi Sultanate  
- **Known for**: Founding the Tughluq dynasty and ruling as its first Sultan  
- **Employer(s)**: Delhi Sultanate  
- **Field(s)**: Governance, royalty  

## Contributions
- **Establishment of the Tughluq Dynasty**: Founded the Tughluq dynasty in 1320, which ruled the Delhi Sultanate for nearly a century until 1413.  
- **Architectural Legacy**: Commissioned the construction of his tomb, *Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq*, a notable architectural structure in Delhi.  
- **Military Campaigns**: Led expeditions such as the campaign in Tirhut, documented in historical manuscripts like *BasaUn al-uns* (ca. 1410).  

## FAQs
- **Q: When did Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq rule?**  
  A: He ruled as Sultan from 1320 until his death in 1325.  
- **Q: Who preceded him as Sultan?**  
  A: Khusrau Khan, the 16th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate.  
- **Q: What is his most notable architectural contribution?**  
  A: His tomb, *Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq*, remains a significant historical site in Delhi.  
- **Q: How long did the Tughluq dynasty rule after his reign?**  
  A: The dynasty continued until 1413, nearly a century after its founding.  

## Why They Matter
Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq’s establishment of the Tughluq dynasty reshaped the political landscape of the Delhi Sultanate, ushering in a new ruling lineage that influenced governance, architecture, and culture for nearly a century. His reign marked a critical transition from the preceding Khilji dynasty, and his architectural projects, such as his tomb, reflect the era’s engineering and artistic achievements. Without his foundational role, the trajectory of the Delhi Sultanate’s history would have lacked the continuity and innovations associated with the Tughluq era.

## Notable For
- First Sultan of the Tughluq dynasty.  
- Founder of a dynasty that ruled the Delhi Sultanate for 93 years.  
- Commissioned the *Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq*, a landmark of medieval Indian architecture.  
- Documented military campaigns, including the conquest of Tirhut.  
- Reigned during a pivotal transition in the Delhi Sultanate’s political structure.  

## Body
### Early Life and Ascension  
Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq was born in 1250. Little is known about his early life, but he rose to prominence as a military leader before seizing power in 1320. He succeeded Khusrau Khan, ending the preceding dynasty and establishing Tughluq rule.  

### Reign and Dynasty  
As the first Tughluq Sultan, he ruled from 1320 to 1325. His ascension marked the beginning of the Tughluq dynasty, which governed the Delhi Sultanate until 1413. This transition solidified his legacy as a pivotal figure in medieval Indian history.  

### Military and Architectural Achievements  
He led military campaigns, including the conquest of Tirhut, depicted in the *BasaUn al-uns* manuscript (ca. 1410). His tomb, *Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq*, exemplifies the architectural style of the era and remains a notable historical site in Delhi.  

### Death and Legacy  
Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq died on February 1, 1325, shortly after his son’s rebellion. His dynasty continued for nearly a century, leaving a lasting impact on the Delhi Sultanate’s political and cultural identity. The Tughluq dynasty’s rule ensured administrative and architectural advancements that defined the region’s medieval history.  

### Historical Documentation  
He is referenced in multiple historical and cultural contexts, including Persian manuscripts and modern academic sources. His alias, *Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq*, and titles, such as *سلطان غیاث الدین تغلق شاہ‎*, reflect his royal status and enduring recognition in historical records.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013