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Chapter: 06. Life Under The Delhi Sultanate
Social Groups of the Sultanate Period
Point of Comparison
Aristocracy
Priests
Town Dwellers
Peasants
Composition
• Sultan• Nobles• Hindu rajas and princes• Landlords
• Ulemas• Maulvis• Qazis• Brahmanas
• Officials• Artisans and craftspeople• Merchants• Slaves and domestic servants
• Crop cultivators
Wealth & Economic Status
• Extremely wealthy
• Rich and prosperous
• Merchants were rich and prosperous; others not mentioned
• Poor; lived in drudgery and poverty
Power & Social Role
• Most powerful social group; held ruling power
• Held important administrative positions• Ulemas were chief advisers to the sultans• Brahmanas were honoured in Hindu society
• Occupations were more or less hereditary among Hindu and Muslim craftspeople
• Tax paid by them was the chief source of revenue for the government
Lifestyle & Condition
• Enjoyed a lavish lifestyle
• Not mentioned in text
• Not mentioned in text
• Hard work, drudgery, and poverty (conditions improved under Firoz Shah’s reign)
Impact of Sultans on Peasant Life
Point of Comparison
Reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Impact on Peasants
• Peasants suffered greatly
• Peasants enjoyed many benefits
Overall Condition
• Extreme drudgery and poverty
• Conditions improved; enjoyed prosperity
Hindu vs. Muslim Social and Cultural Practices
Point of Comparison
Hindu Society
Muslim / Turkish Society
Caste System
• Very rigid; inter-caste marriages were not allowed
• Gradually evolved a social pattern resembling a caste system over time
Purdah System
• Became widely prevalent during this period
• Strictly observed by women
Other Practices & Customs
• Sati and child marriage became widely prevalent
• Rural Indian Muslims still follow many Hindu customs during weddings and other social ceremonies
Religious Movement / Conversion
• Many (especially lower classes) converted to Islam to escape the jizya tax or due to attraction to Islamic equality principles
• Attracted converts through principles of equality
Musical Instruments: Sitar vs. Tabla
Point of Comparison
Sitar
Tabla
Origin & Hybridization
• Invented by Amir Khusrau by combining the South Indian veena with the Persian tanpura
• Developed during this period; probably altered from the South Indian drum
Structural Design
• Modified from the 4-stringed veena by removing one string; features 3 strings
• Not mentioned in text
Etymology / Meaning of Name
• Derived from Persian sehtar (seh means three, tar means strings)
• Not mentioned in text
Comparison of Architectural Styles
Point of Comparison
Classic Hindu Architecture
Traditional Turkish Architecture
Indo-Islamic (Sultanate) Architecture
Style & Synthesis
• Traditional, classical Indian style
• Arabic and Persian architectural styles
• Harmonious blend of classic Hindu and Turko-Persian styles
Structural Features
• Not mentioned in text
• Plain monuments
• Extensive use of bricks, arches, domes, beams, and balconies
Decorative Elements & Materials
• Not mentioned in text
• Plain designs
• Red sandstone for color• Liberal use of floral and geometric designs• Verses from the Koran engraved on walls
Official Languages of India
Point of Comparison
Sanskrit
Persian
Patronage
• Patronized by Hindu kings
• Supported by the Turkish rulers
Official Status
• Replaced as the official language during the Sultanate
• Became the official language in many regions
Ultimate Fate during this Period
• Days of glory were numbered
• Displaced Sanskrit in administration
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