Khiljis

Khiljis were a ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate that came to power in the late 1200s and ruled from Delhi for a short but important period.

• When they ruled: Mainly from 1290 to 1320 CE, between the Mamluks (Slave dynasty) and the Tughlaqs.
• Who they were: The Khiljis were of Turkic-Afghan background. Many had lived for generations in the Afghan region and had close links with soldiers and nobles in north India.
• Why they matter: Their rule is known for strong military expansion and efforts to keep tight control over nobles and powerful groups in Delhi.
• A key ruler to remember: Alauddin Khilji is the most famous Khilji sultan. He expanded the Sultanate’s influence and is often discussed for how firmly he tried to run the administration and the army.
• Connection to the bigger story: The Khilji period shows how the Delhi Sultanate could grow quickly through campaigns, but also how power could change hands suddenly in a time of frequent conflict and rivalry.

Khiljis (and the spelling Khaljis) refer to the same dynasty—different spellings of the same name.