Khalji Revolution

Khalji Revolution
Jalaluddin enthroned as Sultan of Delhi
Date 1 February—13 June 1290 Location Delhi Sultanate Result Khalji faction victory
Belligerents
Khalji faction	Mamluk dynasty Turkish faction
Commanders and leaders
Jalaluddin Khalji Alauddin Khalji Ikhtiyaruddin (WIA)	Muiz ud din Qaiqabad X Shamsuddin Kayumars X Aitmar Surkah † Aitmar Kachhan †

The Khalji Revolution,^[1] alternatively spelled the Khilji Revolution,^[2] marked a military coup and a period of political and societal transformation in the Delhi Sultanate. It unfolded following the demise of Mamluk sultan Balban and the subsequent incapacity of his successors to effectively govern the Delhi Sultanate. The upheaval commenced and concluded in 1290 when Jalaluddin Khalji seized absolute power, toppling the Mamluks and inaugurating the rule of the Khalji dynasty.

After Balban's demise, his underage grandson Qaiqabad ascended the throne. Neglectful of governance, Qaiqabad later fell ill and became paralyzed, leading to the succession of his infant son, Shamsuddin Kayumars. Amidst this upheaval, factions arose within the Mamluk court, with the Turkish faction led by Aitmar Surkah facing off against the Khalji faction, led by Jalaluddin Khalji.

Conflict erupted between the factions, culminating in the Khaljis kidnapping Shamsuddin, the infant king. A battle ensued, resulting in the defeat of the Turks. Following their defeat, a significant portion of the Turkic nobility defected to the Khalji faction. With the infant sultan under his control and Qaiqabad nearing death, Jalaluddin assumed the roles of regent and wazir, ultimately consolidating absolute power and deposing Shamsuddin in June 1290.

The success of the revolution witnessed the Khalji dynasty replacing the Mamluk dynasty as the ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Jalaluddin's reign lasted six years until his assassination by his nephew, Alauddin Khalji. The revolution signaled the conclusion of Turkish hegemony over the nobility of the Delhi Sultanate.