Bahlul Khan Lodi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bahlul Khan Lodi |
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| Bahlul Shah Ghazi | |||||
Billon Tanka (80 ratti) of Bahlul Lodi
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| 29th Sultan of Delhi | |||||
| Reign | 19 April 1451 – 12 July 1489 | ||||
| Coronation | 19 April 1451 | ||||
| Predecessor | Alam Shah | ||||
| Successor | Sikandar Khan Lodi | ||||
| Born | c. 1421 | ||||
| Died | 12 July 1489 (aged of 68) Delhi Delhi Sultanate |
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| Burial | Tomb of Bahlul Lodi Delhi |
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| Spouse | Shams Khatun Bibi Ambha |
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| Issue | Sikandar Khan Lodi Barbak Shah Taj Murassa Alam Khan |
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| Parents House: Founding House: |
Lodi Tribe Lodi Dynasty |
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| Father | Malik Kala Khan Lodi | ||||
| Religion | Sunni Islam | ||||
Bahlul Khan Lodi (Persian: بهلول لودی) was an important leader from the Afghan Lodi tribe. He started the Lodi dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate. He became the first sultan (ruler) of this new dynasty on April 19, 1451. This happened after the previous ruler, Alam Shah from the Sayyid dynasty, gave up his throne. Bahlul Lodi ruled until his death on July 12, 1489.
Contents
Early Life and Rise to Power
Bahlul's grandfather, Malik Bahram Khan Lodi, was a chief of the Lodi tribe. He worked for the governor of Multan. Bahram had five sons. His oldest son, Malik Sultan Shah Lodi, worked for the Sayyid dynasty ruler Khizr Khan. Sultan Shah became famous for defeating a powerful enemy.
As a reward, he was given the title of Islam Khan. In 1419, he became the governor of Sirhind. Bahlul was the son of Malik Kala Khan Lodi, who was Malik Sultan's younger brother. Bahlul later married Malik Sultan's daughter.
Becoming a Leader
When he was young, Bahlul traded horses. He once sold some excellent horses to Sultan Muhammad Shah of the Sayyid dynasty. As payment, Bahlul received land and was made an amir, which was a high-ranking official.
After Malik Sultan died, Bahlul became the governor of Sirhind. He was also allowed to control the city of Lahore. Later, Sultan Muhammad Shah asked Bahlul for help. The Sultan of Malwa, Mahmud Khalji, had attacked his land.
Bahlul joined the Sultan's army with 20,000 soldiers on horseback. He was very clever and made it seem like he had won a big victory against the Malwa Sultan's army. Because of this, Sultan Muhammad Shah gave him the special title of Khan-i-Khanan. The Sultan also let Bahlul keep a large part of Punjab that he had taken over.
Taking Delhi's Throne
In 1443, Bahlul tried to take Delhi, but he didn't succeed. He tried again in 1447 during the rule of the last Sayyid ruler, Sultan Alam Shah. This attempt also failed.
In 1448, Alam Shah decided to leave Delhi and live in Badaun. One of Alam Shah's ministers, Hamid Khan, invited Bahlul to become the new ruler of Delhi. Alam Shah willingly gave up his throne.
So, on April 19, 1451, Bahlul Shah became the new Sultan of Delhi. He took the title Bahlul Shah Ghazi. Alam Shah continued to live in Badaun until he passed away in July 1478.
Reign as Sultan
After becoming Sultan, Bahlul decided he needed to deal with Hamid Khan, the minister who had invited him. Bahlul's cousin, Malik Mahmud Khan (who was also the Governor of Samana), helped by putting Hamid Khan in prison.
In 1479, Sultan Bahlul Lodi won a major victory. He defeated and took over the Jaunpur Sultanate, which was based in Jaunpur. He made the city of Jaunpur stronger and built many mosques and schools there.
Bahlul worked hard to stop rebellions and uprisings in his lands. He expanded his control over Jaunpur and other parts of Uttar Pradesh. Like the rulers before him, he kept Delhi as the capital city of his kingdom.
In 1486, he made his son, Babrak Shah, the ruler of Jaunpur. This later caused problems. His second son, Nizam Khan (who became Sikandar Lodi), was chosen to be the next Sultan. This led to a power struggle after Bahlul's death in July 1489.
Where is Bahlul Lodi Buried?
The exact place where Bahlul Lodi is buried is still debated. The Archeological Survey of India says that a building near the shrine of a Sufi saint in Delhi is his tomb. This area is even named 'Chirag Delhi' after the saint.
However, some historians believe that the Sheesh Gumbad in the Lodi Gardens is actually his tomb.
Family Life
Bahlul Lodi was married two times:
- His first wife was Shams Khatun, who was his first cousin.
- His second wife was Bibi Ambha, the daughter of a Hindu goldsmith.
See also
- Sher Shah Suri
- Jaunpur Sultanate
- Shaikh Sama'al-Din Kamboh
- Tomb of Bahlul Lodi
