Comparison between Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire:

1. Rulers:
Delhi Sultanate:
The Delhi Sultanate was a series of Muslim dynasties that ruled over northern India from the 13th to
the 16th century. Some of the prominent rulers include:

- Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206-1210): He was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the first ruler of the
Slave Dynasty. He laid the foundation of many important monuments, including the Qutub Minar.

- Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316): Known for his administrative and military reforms, Alauddin expanded
the empire to its greatest extent and built the Alai Darwaza at the Qutub Minar complex.

- Muhammad bin Tughluq (1325-1351): Despite his failed experiments like the shifting of the capital
to Daulatabad, he was a patron of art and culture and constructed the Tughlaqabad Fort.

Mughal Empire:
The Mughal Empire was a powerful and influential dynasty that ruled over most of the Indian
subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-18th century. Some of the notable Mughal emperors
include:

- Babur (1526-1530): The founder of the Mughal Empire in India, Babur built the Babri Masjid in
Ayodhya and introduced the Persian style of gardens called "Charbagh."

- Akbar the Great (1556-1605): One of the most renowned Mughal emperors, Akbar commissioned
the construction of the magnificent Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and the Red Fort in Delhi.

- Shah Jahan (1628-1658): Known for commissioning the iconic Taj Mahal in memory of his wife
Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan also built the Red Fort in Agra and the Jama Masjid in Delhi.

2. Architecture built by the rulers:

1. Style and Influence:

Delhi Sultanate:
The architectural style of the Delhi Sultanate was predominantly Indo-Islamic, showcasing a blend of
Indian and Islamic architectural elements. The monuments were characterized by the use of red
sandstone and marble, intricate geometric patterns, and calligraphy in Arabic script. Key features
include domes, arches, and minarets.

Mughal Empire:
The Mughal architecture was a culmination of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles. It
emphasized grandeur, symmetry, and extensive use of white marble and red sandstone. The
structures showcased large bulbous domes, intricate carvings, and Persian-style gardens (Charbagh).

2. Iconic Monuments:

Delhi Sultanate:
- Qutub Minar: An iconic minaret in Delhi, built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, standing 73 meters tall, and
featuring intricate carvings and calligraphy.

- Alai Darwaza: A magnificent gateway constructed by Alauddin Khilji, showcasing Islamic arches and
intricate patterns.

Mughal Empire:
- Taj Mahal: A breathtaking white marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal,
renowned for its symmetrical beauty and exquisite detailing.
- Red Fort (Lal Qila): A massive fort in Delhi, built by Shah Jahan, showcasing a blend of Persian,
Timurid, and Indian architectural elements.

3. Material Usage:

Delhi Sultanate:
Red sandstone was the primary material used in Delhi Sultanate monuments. The Qutub Minar and
various mosques and tombs were constructed using this material.

Mughal Empire:
The Mughals extensively used white marble, red sandstone, and black slate in their architectural
monuments. The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and various other structures were built with these materials.

4. Garden Design:

Delhi Sultanate:
Garden design during the Delhi Sultanate period was simple, with an emphasis on water features like
tanks and canals. Gardens were integrated into mosque complexes.

Mughal Empire:
The Mughals introduced the concept of Charbagh, a Persian-style garden divided into four quadrants
with water channels and fountains. These gardens were an essential feature of Mughal architecture
and provided a serene ambiance to their monuments.

5. Influence on Later Architecture:

Delhi Sultanate:
The architectural style of the Delhi Sultanate had a considerable influence on later Islamic
architecture in India, including the subsequent Mughal architecture.

Mughal Empire:
Mughal architecture reached its zenith during the empire's reign and left a lasting impact on Indian
and regional architectural styles. It served as a significant inspiration for later Indian rulers and their
architectural endeavors.

3. Some facts and anecdotes about the rulers:

Delhi Sultanate:
- Alauddin Khilji was known for his strict market regulations and the introduction of the market
control system to stabilize prices and curb inflation.

- Muhammad bin Tughlaq is remembered for his eccentric decision to shift the capital from Delhi to
Daulatabad, which resulted in massive hardships and was ultimately abandoned.

Mughal Empire:
- Akbar, known for his policy of religious tolerance, created a new syncretic faith called Din-i Ilahi,
aiming to unify his diverse subjects.

- Shah Jahan was a great patron of art and architecture and also established the famous Peacock
Throne, a symbol of Mughal grandeur and wealth.

4. Social and economic conditions at the time:

Delhi Sultanate:
The Delhi Sultanate witnessed significant changes in society, with the introduction of Islamic customs
and traditions. The economy was largely agrarian, and trade and commerce thrived in major urban
centers.

Mughal Empire:
The Mughal Empire was characterized by a thriving economy, supported by agriculture, trade, and
manufacturing industries. The society was hierarchical, with a strong emphasis on courtly etiquette
and Persian culture.

5. Policies made by the rulers:

Delhi Sultanate:
The rulers of the Delhi Sultanate followed Islamic principles and implemented Sharia law. They
patronized scholars, poets, and Sufi saints, leading to the growth of Islamic culture in India.

Mughal Empire:
The Mughal emperors pursued a policy of religious tolerance, with Akbar being particularly notable
for his efforts to integrate different cultures and religions.

6. Decline of the dynasty:

Delhi Sultanate:
The Delhi Sultanate faced several challenges, including internal strife, invasions by Mongols and other
rulers, and economic instability. The invasion of Timur in the late 14th century further weakened the
sultanate, leading to its eventual decline.

Mughal Empire:
The decline of the Mughal Empire can be attributed to a combination of factors, including weak
successors, administrative inefficiency, increasing regional revolts, and invasions by foreign powers
like the British.

7. Occupation:

Delhi Sultanate:
The Delhi Sultanate's primary occupation was agriculture, supported by trade and commerce in urban
centers.

Mughal Empire:
The Mughal Empire had a diversified economy, with agriculture being the backbone, along with a
thriving trade and artisanal industry.

8. Inventions:

Delhi Sultanate:
The Delhi Sultanate period witnessed advancements in architecture, calligraphy, and literature. The
development of the Urdu language also began during this time.

Mughal Empire:
The Mughal Empire was a period of remarkable cultural and artistic achievements, including
advancements in architecture, literature, music, and the fine arts.

9. Religion:

Delhi Sultanate:
The rulers of the Delhi Sultanate were Muslims, and Islam became an integral part of the ruling elite
and administration.
Mughal Empire:
The Mughal emperors were also Muslims, and Islam continued to be a dominant religion during their
reign. However, they adopted a policy of religious tolerance towards Hindus and other faiths.

10. Dress, ornaments, writing:

Delhi Sultanate:
During the Delhi Sultanate, Islamic attire and ornamentation became prevalent among the ruling elite.
Arabic and Persian scripts were widely used for writing.

Mughal Empire:
The Mughals were known for their rich attire, exquisite jewelry, and fine craftsmanship. Persian and
Urdu were the primary languages used for writing during this period.

In conclusion, both the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire were significant periods in Indian
history that left a lasting impact on culture, architecture, and society. The Delhi Sultanate marked the
beginning of Muslim rule in India, while the Mughal Empire is remembered for its grandeur and
cultural achievements.