Muhammad bin Tughluq Biography

Muhammad bin Tughluq was the Sultan of Delhi from 1325 to 1351, and the second ruler of the Tughluq dynasty, which succeeded the Khilji dynasty. He was the eldest son of Ghiyath-ud-din Tughluq, the founder of the Tughluq dynasty, and ascended to the throne after his father’s death. As Sultan, Muhammad bin Tughluq expanded the Delhi Sultanate to include much of the Indian subcontinent, though this vast empire proved difficult to sustain, and many territories were lost shortly after being conquered. He is believed to have been groomed for succession from a young age, receiving a high-quality education and training in military administration and martial arts. Before his ascension to the throne, he demonstrated his military skills during his father’s reign by successfully leading a campaign to subdue a rebellion by Hindu rulers in Warangal, in the Deccan region. Muhammad bin Tughluq’s reign was marked by numerous challenges, including frequent rebellions and revolts. His personality was enigmatic and full of contradictions. While he was notorious for his cruelty and ruthlessness in dealing with dissent, he also gained a reputation for religious tolerance and humility. Despite his controversial methods, his rule is remembered for ambitious projects, though many of these—such as the attempted relocation of his capital and the introduction of token currency—ultimately failed.