Tughlugs

The Tughlugs were a Turco-Mongol dynasty that ruled in Delhi, India from 1320 to 1413. They were a minority group among the Indian population and relied on their Turkic and Mongol heritage to maintain power. The name "Tughluq" is derived from the Turkish word "tugh," meaning "battle standard" or "flag."

Ghiyas ud-Din Tughluq, the founder of the dynasty, was a Turkish general who initially served under the Delhi Sultanate's Khalji dynasty. He seized power in 1320 and established his own ruler, starting the Tughluq dynasty. His policies included the export of grain to friendly kingdoms and areas outside of the Sultanate.

Ibn Battuta, a renowned traveler and historian, visited Delhi under the rule of Muhammad bin Tughluq, the son of Ghiyas ud-Din. Muhammad attempted to revive the trade in Paper money favored by his father but ultimately led to inflation, economic strain, and discontent among the population.

One of the notable features of the Tughluq period is the introduction of the ghurbaat trade experiment. Muhammad bin Tughluq moved the capital from Delhi to Deogir in 1326, causing significant disruption to the large population and their supplies and trade. He also established factories for textile production, which improved the quality of Indian cloth.

The Tughluq dynasty declined following the reign of Sultan Feroze Shah Tughlaq, who allegedly died in 1388. Feroze Shah implemented policies including reducing taxes, allowing monks to enter monasteries without police checks, and remodeling existing buildings. The Tughluq dynasty eventually ended under the reign of Nasir-ud-din Mahmud Shah, who died in 1413.