Khalji Revolution

The Khalji Revolution, also spelled Khilji Revolution, was a military coup and a period of political and societal change in the Delhi Sultanate. It ensued following the death of Mamluk sultan Balban and the subsequent inability of his successors to effectively govern the Delhi Sultanate. The conflict began and concluded in 1290 when Jalaluddin Khalji seized absolute power, overthrowing the Mamluks and beginning the rule of the Khalji dynasty.

After Balban's death, his minor grandson Qaiqabad ascended the throne. Qaiqabad, neglectful of governance, later fell ill and became paralyzed, resulting in the succession of his infant son, Shamsuddin Kayumars. Amidst this turmoil, factions emerged within the Mamluk court, pitting the Turkish faction led by Aitmar Surkah against the Khalji faction, led by Jalaluddin Khalji.

Conflict erupted between the factions, resulting in the Khaljis kidnapping Shamsuddin, the infant king. A battle ensued, resulting in the defeat of the Turks. Following their defeat, much 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, eventually consolidating complete power and deposing Shamsuddin in June 1290.

The success of the revolution saw the Khalji dynasty replace the Mamluk dynasty as the ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Jalaluddin's rule lasted only six years until his assassination by his nephew, Alauddin Khalji. The revolution marked the end of Turkish dominance over the nobility of the Delhi Sultanate.