Difference between revisions of "Afghan Lodi Sultans" - New World Encyclopedia

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Lodhi Gardens, New Delhi

The Lodi Dynasty or Lodhi) (1451C.E. to 1526C.E.), were rulers of Pashtun (Afghan) Ghilzai tribal origin and reigned during the last phase of the Delhi Sultanate. After the last Sayyid emperor, Mohammed-bin-Farid died in 1451, Bahlul Khan Lodi (died 1489), a warrior and governor of Punjab, came to the throne after other claimants abdicated. He stopped uprisings within provinces and garnered political support by giving Jaghirs (administrative territories) to his native Afghan nobles. His experiences as a governor before becoming emperor served him well but his heirs were much less concerned than he was with good governance, becoming lazy and preoccupied with accumulation of wealth and with personal pleasure. Their own nobles invited Babar, the first Moghul emperor, to invade which brought about the downfall of the Lodi dynasty. One contemporary observer, Guru Nanak saw this as divine punishment, and many people who believe that authority is both given and taken away by God would agree. God, said Nanak, is capable of reducing an army to ashes, and appointing someone insignificant to kingship.

Origin of the Dynasty

Bahlul nominated his second son, Sikandar Lodi (born Nizam Khan and died 1517C.E.) to succeed him. However, nobles backed the rule of Barbak Shah, his first son that had been appointed viceroy of Jaunpur. A power struggle ensued, and Sikandar eventually won the struggle against Barbak and his ally, Hussain Shah of Jaunpur. He proved to be a capable ruler, and was somewhat merciful to his opponents. He allowed Barbak governship over Jaunpur, and also resolved differences with an uncle, Alam Khan, who had conspired to overthrow him. Sikandar also brought many Afghan nobles under his control, conquered Gwalior and Bihar, and encouraged trade across his holdings. He patronized education. He founded the present-day city of Agra in 1503C.E., later renowned as the site of the Taj Mahal. Muslims and Hindus differ in their appraisal of Sikander. Muslims usually regard his rule as just but Hindus accuse him of destroying Hindu temples including those at Mathura, Utgir and Jwalamukhi at Nagarkot and of building mosques in their place. It is claimed that Idols (images) from destroyed temples were given to a butcher to use as weights. Hindus were prohibited from shaving their heads and beards, in accordance with Hindu customs.

Sikandar's son, Ibrahim Lodi (died 1526), took the throne in 1517. His rule was problematic from the start, as nobles named his brother, Jalal Khan, ruler over Jaunpur in an attempt to divide his kingdom. Ibrahim had his brother assassinated in an attempt to consolidate power. Guru Nanak (1465 to 1539) recorded that the brothers were rivals for power and riches, and lost any real concern for good governance, Ibrahim never really gained the support of his subjects. He used fear against his peoples and even his nobles. Ibrahim tried to make his presence felt by retaking Gwalior in a military campaign, but Ibrahim's luck ran out against Rana Sangha, the ruler of Mewar, who defeated his armies twice and drove him back. The Afghan nobles grew discontent with Ibrahim's rule and cruelty, and sent for the armies of Babar, the ruler of Kabul, to overthrow the Lodi dynasty. Ibrahim's rule has been described as tyrannical.

End of the Dynasty

Babar was officially invited to take India by Daulat Khan Lodi, a governor in Lahore, and Alam Khan, an uncle of Sultan Ibrahim. With this invitation, Babur brought his armies and was able to topple the Lodi rule at the Battle of Panipat in 1526. On the other hand, despite their own intenal problems the Lodis managed to field an army of 100,000 men and 1,000 elephants against Babar's paltry force of 12,000. Despite the odds, Babar routed the Lodi Sultan and took possession of Delhi. His army's use of artillery, plus the desertion of many nobles and soldiers from Ibrahim Lodi's forces, led to victory despite being heavily outnumbered. Indian rule was to change under Babur, the first ruler of the Moghul Empire in India. Nanak reprimands the Lodis for resorting to magic to try to defeat Babar and for failing to adequately protect their realm. "Thousands of Pirs tried to stop Mir Babur (by means of magic) when they heard of his invasion. But no mughal was blinded and none of the spells had any effect.", he wrote [1].

Legacy

An important aspect of the legacy of the Lodi dynasty is their architectural contribution in Delhi, where four Lodi buildings can be seen in what are now the Lodi Gardens, Muhammed Shah's Tomb, Sikander Lodi's Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad. The tomb of Mohammed Shah, the last of the Sayyid rulers ((ruled Delhi 1414-51), is the earliest of these and was built in 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah to pay a tribute to Muhammed Shah. Guru Nanak tells us that the Lodis were defeated becaue they grew intoxicated with power and 'sensual beauty':

the wealth and sensual beauty had intoxicated them, and they have lost their sense in merry-making.[2].

Nanak believed that unrighteousness could not last long and that thus the Lodi's defeat was inevitable. He blames the Lodis for the later attrocities of the Moghuls, since had they succeeded in protecting their empire Babar would not have established the Moghul Empire.

References
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Credits

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History of "Afghan Lodi Sultans"

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-[[Image:Lodhi_Gardens2.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|Lodhi Gardens, New Delhi]]The '''Lodi Dynasty''' or Lodhi) (1451C.E. to 1526C.E.), were rulers of [[Pashtun]] ([[Afghan]]) [[Ghilzai]] tribal origin and reigned during the last phase of the Delhi Sultanate. After the last Sayyid emperor, Mohammed-bin-Farid died in 1451, Bahlul Khan Lodi (died [[1489]]), a warrior and governor of [[Punjab]], came to the throne after other claimants abdicated. He stopped uprisings within provinces and garnered political support by giving Jaghirs (administrative territories) to his native [[Afghanistan|Afghan]] nobles.
+[[Image:Lodhi_Gardens2.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|Lodhi Gardens, New Delhi]]The '''Lodi Dynasty''' or Lodhi) (1451C.E. to 1526C.E.), were rulers of Pashtun (Afghan) Ghilzai tribal origin and reigned during the last phase of the Delhi Sultanate. After the last Sayyid emperor, Mohammed-bin-Farid died in 1451, Bahlul Khan Lodi (died [[1489]]), a warrior and governor of [[Punjab]], came to the throne after other claimants abdicated. He stopped uprisings within provinces and garnered political support by giving Jaghirs (administrative territories) to his native [[Afghanistan|Afghan]] nobles. His experiences as a governor before becoming emperor served him well but his heirs were much less concerned than he was with good governance, becoming lazy and preoccupied with accumulation of wealth and with personal pleasure.  Their own nobles invited [[Babar]], the first Moghul emperor, to invade which brought about the downfall of the Lodi dynasty.  One contemporary observer, [[Guru Nanak]] saw this as divine punishment, and many people who believe that authority is both given and taken away by God would agree. God, said Nanak, is capable of reducing an army to ashes, and appointing someone insignificant to kingship.
 ==Origin of the Dynasty==
-Bahlul nominated his second son, Sikandar Lodi (born Nizam Khan and died 1517C.E.) to succeed him. However, nobles backed the rule of Barbak Shah, his first son that had been appointed viceroy of Jaunpur. A power struggle ensued, and Sikandar eventually won the struggle against Barbak and his ally, Hussain Shah of Jaunpur. He proved to be a capable ruler, and was somewhat merciful to his opponents. He allowed Barbak governship over Jaunpur, and also resolved differences with an uncle, Alam Khan, who had conspired to overthrow him. Sikandar also brought many Afghan nobles under his control, conquered Gwalior and [[Bihar]], and encouraged trade across his holdings. He was a kind ruler and founded the present-day city of [[Agra]] in 1503C.E.
+Bahlul nominated his second son, Sikandar Lodi (born Nizam Khan and died 1517C.E.) to succeed him. However, nobles backed the rule of Barbak Shah, his first son that had been appointed viceroy of Jaunpur. A power struggle ensued, and Sikandar eventually won the struggle against Barbak and his ally, Hussain Shah of Jaunpur. He proved to be a capable ruler, and was somewhat merciful to his opponents. He allowed Barbak governship over Jaunpur, and also resolved differences with an uncle, Alam Khan, who had conspired to overthrow him. Sikandar also brought many Afghan nobles under his control, conquered Gwalior and Bihar, and encouraged trade across his holdings. He patronized education. He founded the present-day city of [[Agra]] in 1503C.E., later renowned as the site of the [[Taj Mahal]].  Muslims and Hindus differ in their appraisal of Sikander.  Muslims usually regard his rule as just but Hindus accuse him of destroying Hindu temples including those at Mathura, Utgir and Jwalamukhi at Nagarkot and of building mosques in their place. It is claimed that Idols (images) from destroyed temples were given to a butcher to use as weights. Hindus were prohibited from shaving their heads and beards, in accordance with Hindu customs.
-Sikandar's son, Ibrahim Lodi (died [[1526]]), took the throne in 1517. His rule was problematic from the start, as nobles named his brother, Jalal Khan, ruler over Jaunpur in an attempt to divide his kingdom. Ibrahim had his brother assassinated in an attempt to consolidate power. However, he never really gained the support of his subjects, as he ruled with fear and was very strict and disrespectful to his nobles. Ibrahim tried to make his presence felt by retaking Gwalior in a military campaign, but Ibrahim's luck ran out against [[Rana Sangha]], the ruler of [[Mewar]], who defeated his armies twice and drove him back. The Afghan nobles grew discontent with Ibrahim's rule and cruelty, and sent for the armies of [[Babur]], the ruler of [[Kabul]], to overthrow the Lodi dynasty.
+Sikandar's son, Ibrahim Lodi (died 1526), took the throne in 1517. His rule was problematic from the start, as nobles named his brother, Jalal Khan, ruler over Jaunpur in an attempt to divide his kingdom. Ibrahim had his brother assassinated in an attempt to consolidate power. [[Guru Nanak]] (1465 to 1539) recorded that the brothers were rivals for power and riches, and lost any real concern for good governance, Ibrahim never really gained the support of his subjects.  He used fear against his peoples and even his nobles. Ibrahim tried to make his presence felt by retaking Gwalior in a military campaign, but Ibrahim's luck ran out against Rana Sangha, the ruler of Mewar, who defeated his armies twice and drove him back. The Afghan nobles grew discontent with Ibrahim's rule and cruelty, and sent for the armies of [[Babar]], the ruler of Kabul, to overthrow the Lodi dynasty. Ibrahim's rule has been described as tyrannical.
 ==End of the Dynasty==
-[[Babur]] was officially invited to take India by [[Daulat Khan Lodi]], a governor in [[Lahore]], and [[Alam Khan]], an uncle of Sultan Ibrahim. With this invitation, Babur brought his armies and was able to topple the Lodi rule at the [[Battle of Panipat]] in 1526. His army's use of artillery, plus the desertion of many nobles and soldiers from Ibrahim Lodi's forces, led to victory despite being heavily outnumbered. Indian rule was to change under Babur, the first ruler of the [[Moghal Empire]] in India.
+[[Babar]] was officially invited to take India by Daulat Khan Lodi, a governor in Lahore, and Alam Khan, an uncle of Sultan Ibrahim. With this invitation, Babur brought his armies and was able to topple the Lodi rule at the Battle of Panipat in 1526.  On the other hand, despite their own intenal problems the Lodis managed to field an army of 100,000 men and 1,000 elephants against Babar's paltry force of 12,000.  Despite the odds, Babar routed the Lodi Sultan and took possession of Delhi. His army's use of artillery, plus the desertion of many nobles and soldiers from Ibrahim Lodi's forces, led to victory despite being heavily outnumbered. Indian rule was to change under Babur, the first ruler of the [[Moghul Empire]] in India.  Nanak reprimands the Lodis for resorting to magic to try to defeat Babar and for failing to adequately protect their realm.  "Thousands of Pirs tried to stop Mir Babur (by means of magic) when they heard of his invasion. But no mughal was blinded and none of the spells had any effect.", he wrote [http://www.sikhnet.com/sikhnet/discussion.nsf/All+by+Date/f5809f1ff06bb56e8725672800022e9f?Open].
 ==Legacy==
-Four Lodi buildings can be seen in what are now the Lodi Gardens, Muhammed Shah's Tomb, Sikander Lodi's Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad. The tomb of Mohammed Shah, the last of the Sayyid rulers ( (1414-51), is the earliest of these and was built in 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah to pay a tribute to Muhammed Shah.
+An important aspect of the legacy of the Lodi dynasty is their architectural contribution in Delhi, where four Lodi buildings can be seen in what are now the Lodi Gardens, Muhammed Shah's Tomb, Sikander Lodi's Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad. The tomb of Mohammed Shah, the last of the Sayyid rulers ((ruled Delhi 1414-51), is the earliest of these and was built in 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah to pay a tribute to Muhammed Shah.  [[Guru Nanak]] tells us that the Lodis were defeated becaue they grew intoxicated with power and 'sensual beauty':
-{Delhi was then in the control of the Lodi Sultans, a dynasty of Afghan Muslim rulers who had done a great deal to enrich the architectural heritage of the capital. Their memory is enshrined today in New Delhi's Lodi Gardens, one of the world's loveliest urban parks.
-Despite internal dissensions the Lodis managed to field an army of 100,000 men and 1,000 elephants against Babar's paltry force of 12,000. The armies met on April 20, 1526, at the historic battlefield of Panipat a few miles north of Delhi. Despite the odds, Babar routed the Lodi Sultan and took possession of Delhi.  The iqtadars under the Lodis were left with a considerable den|?e of independence in matters of administration.Bahlol Lodi had a immense experience as governor before he founded the Lodi dynasty.  He ruled from Delhi till his death.  He defeated Muhammad Shah Sharqi of Jaunpur when latter made an attempt to oust him.  Under Bahlol's rule, Hussain Shah of Jaunpur made numerous attempts but was defeated, and Bahlol's son Barbak was placed on the throne of Jaunpur.  Bahlol was a kind man, loved justice.  He was a keen listener to his subjects.
-Sikander Shah (1489-1517)
-Nizam Khan, the son of Bahlol Lodi succeeded his father and ascended the throne with the title "Sikander Shah".  His brother Barbak of Jaunpur was instigated by Hussain Shah to attack Sikander Shah.  Sikander  who came to know of this, marched to Jaunpur and made his brother to surrender.  Sikander Shah showed leniency and put his brother Barbak on throne of Jaunpur.  Sikander was an orthodox muslim, he destroyed most of the Hindu temples including Mathura, Utgir and Jwalamukhi at Nagarkot and ordered to build mosque in place. Idols of destroyed temples were given to butcher to use it as weights. Hindus were prohibited from shaving the heads and beards of Hindus, in accordance with the Hindu customs.  Like his father he
-}"the mughals and pathans fought each other wielding swords in the battlefield. The mughals aimed and fired their guns, and the pathans attacked with their elephants."[83] "The rule of Babur has been established and no Pathan prince ate his food."[84]
-Coming to the cause by which Lodis were defeated, Guru Nanak states:
-"the wealth and sensual beauty had intoxicated them, and they have lost their sense in merry-making."[85]
+:the wealth and sensual beauty had intoxicated them, and they have lost their sense in merry-making.[http://www.sikhnet.com/sikhnet/discussion.nsf/All+by+Date/f5809f1ff06bb56e8725672800022e9f?Open].
-It is a fact of history that during Babur's invasions, Lodis were a divided house, and due to this they could not offer a stiff resistance to the mughals. Guru Nanak implicitely remarks that pursuit of power and riches had divided the Lodi brothers.[86] Because the pursuit of temporal power and riches has become the sole concern of the rulers, they were bound to be defeated. Here again Guru Nanak affirms his faith that unrighteousness cannot last long  http://www.sikhnet.com/sikhnet/discussion.nsf/All+by+Date/f5809f1ff06bb56e8725672800022e9f?Open
+Nanak believed that unrighteousness could not last long and that thus the Lodi's defeat was inevitable.  He blames the Lodis for the later attrocities of the Moghuls, since had they succeeded in protecting their empire Babar would not have established the Moghul Empire.
 == References ==