Khilji Dynasty succeeded the Slave Dynasty to the throne of
Delhi. The founder of the Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320) was Malik Firuz. He was originally a noble under the Emperor Kaiqubad, who belonged to the Slave dynasty. He took advantage of the incompetence of the successors of Balban, the great Slave Emperor. He ascended the throne on June 13 1290 under the name Jalal-ud-Din Firoz Shah.
The arrival of a Khilji ruler was resented by the majority of the Muslim population of Delhi, who were Turkish in origin. Yet Jalal-ud-din’s mildness and generosity won the hearts of the people. Most of the officers, who held key positions under the Slave Dynasty, were retained. He was murdered by his own nephew and son-in-law
Alauddin Khilji, who succeeded him. Alauddin made far-reaching changes in the administrative and revenue reforms. Market control regulations were introduced and a lot of conquests took place during his reign. Alauddin’s reign is considered the best under the Khilji rule.
Following the death of Alauddin, the dynasty was divided into two groups. One group was headed by Khizar Khan, Alauddin's son and the nominated heir to the throne. Malik Kafur, one of Alauddin's most trusted nobles, led the other group. Malik Kafur managed to win the tussle over the throne and made Shahab-ud-din Umar, the 6 yr-old prince, the successor of Alauddin. Kafur himself became the regent of the young prince. When Malik Kafur was killed by his own agents, Qutb-ud-din Mubarik Shah, another son of Alauddin became the new sultan. Mubarik was not a worthy ruler and he was killed by his own slave Khusraw Khan, who became the new Sultan. This brought an end to the Khilji Dynasty.
