# Muhammad ibn Tughluq

> 18th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and 2nd from the Tughluq dynasty

**Wikidata**: [Q381830](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q381830)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_bin_Tughluq)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/muhammad-ibn-tughluq

## Summary
Muhammad ibn Tughluq was the 18th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and the second ruler of the Tughluq dynasty. He is known for his ambitious but often controversial policies, including administrative reforms and military campaigns, which significantly shaped the political and economic landscape of medieval India.

## Biography
- Nationality: Indian (historical figure from the Delhi Sultanate)
- Known for: Serving as the 18th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and implementing transformative but divisive policies
- Employer(s): Delhi Sultanate
- Field(s): Medieval Islamic rulership, military leadership, administrative reform

## Contributions
Muhammad ibn Tughluq's reign is noted for its bold administrative experiments, including the transfer of the capital to Daulatabad and the introduction of token currency. His reign also saw extensive military campaigns and efforts to consolidate power across the Deccan and northern India. His rule was marked by ambitious state policies, including taxation reforms and public works projects, which had mixed success and faced significant resistance.

## FAQs
**Who was Muhammad ibn Tughluq?**  
Muhammad ibn Tughluq was the 18th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and the second ruler of the Tughluq dynasty. He ruled during the 14th century and is known for his administrative experiments and military campaigns.

**What is Muhammad ibn Tughluq known for?**  
He is known for his role as a sultan who attempted major administrative reforms, including the controversial decision to shift the capital to Daulatabad and the introduction of copper token currency. His reign is also recognized for ambitious military campaigns and infrastructure development.

**Where did Muhammad ibn Tughluq rule?**  
He ruled from the Delhi Sultanate, specifically from the city of Delhi, which he temporarily moved to Daulatabad as part of his administrative reforms.

**What were his major policies?**  
Muhammad ibn Tughluq introduced token currency made of copper, attempted to shift the capital to Daulatabad, and launched military expeditions to expand control over the Deccan. His policies often led to administrative challenges and public unrest.

## Why They Matter
Muhammad ibn Tughluq's reign is significant for its ambitious attempts at state-building and economic innovation, which, despite mixed success, influenced the evolution of administrative practices in medieval India. His policies, though often criticized, demonstrated early ideas of state-controlled economic systems and military expansion. His decisions had a long-term impact on the political and economic structure of the Delhi Sultanate.

## Notable For
- Being the 18th Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate
- Leading administrative and monetary experiments
- Shifting the capital to Daulatabad
- Introducing token currency in copper
- Conducting military campaigns in the Deccan and northern India
- Attempting to centralize and reform the economy under a state-driven model

## Body

### Early Life
Muhammad ibn Tughluq, also known as Prince Fakhr Malik and Jauna Khan, was born into the Tughluq dynasty, a ruling family of the Delhi Sultanate. His early life is not well documented, but he was known to be an intelligent and learned ruler with an interest in philosophy, science, and governance. His reign began in 1325 and is often associated with ambitious, if not always successful, reforms.

### Career
Muhammad ibn Tughluq ruled during a period of significant political and military activity. His reign is characterized by the implementation of major administrative changes, including the decision to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, an effort to centralize power and resources. He also introduced a copper-token currency in an attempt to streamline the economy, though this move led to significant challenges, including widespread counterfeiting. His reign oversaw extensive military campaigns, particularly in the Deccan, in an effort to extend the Delhi Sultanate's influence.

### Projects
One of the most notable projects of his reign was the transfer of the capital to Daulatabad, which aimed to strengthen control over the southern parts of the empire. This move was met with logistical and public order challenges, leading to its reversal. Another significant project was the introduction of token currency, which ultimately failed due to a lack of public and administrative support. His reign also saw the construction and reinforcement of several forts, including Jahanpanah, known as the "fort of forts."

### Influence
Muhammad ibn Tughluq's reign had a major influence on the administrative and military strategies of the Delhi Sultanate. His reign is often studied for its experimental nature, particularly the capital transfer and token currency policies. His leadership is also noted for the extensive military campaigns in the Deccan, which had mixed outcomes. His reign is a case study in the balance between ambitious governance and practical execution.

### Legacy
The legacy of Muhammad ibn Tughluq's rule includes both his bold administrative decisions and their consequences. His reign is often cited in historical analysis of statecraft and economic policy in medieval India. His reign is also remembered for the construction of public works, including additions to the fortification of cities like Jahanpanah. Despite the failure of some of his policies, his reign remains a significant chapter in the history of the Delhi Sultanate.

## References

1. Encyclopædia Britannica
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
4. [Source](https://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/m/muhammad_tugluq.htm)
5. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Muhammad-ibn-Tughluq)
6. [Source](https://historica.fandom.com/wiki/Muhammad_bin_Tughluq)
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
10. Catalogo of the National Library of India