History of India 1

Delhi Sultanate (1206-1550)

Module-26
Persian Literature during the Delhi Sultanate

Academic Script
History of India 2

Unlike the Hindu rulers, the kings and nobles of the pre-
Mughal period were interested in the compilation of
contemporary source material. This helps in studying the
history of different dynasties which ruled at Delhi from time
to time. The historians of the pre-Mughal period took great
pains in patronizing the recording of contemporary events
for which they employed court historians, and diarists to
maintain the records of their activities in a systematic
manner. These accounts were mostly about political events,
but we do get stray references to the cultural history in the
works of some such writers. Apart from official histories,
unconventional sources should also be consulted to gather
information about contemporary society and culture, such
as the malfuzat (table talk involving the sufi saints and his
followers), that were written by famous disciples of sufi
saints, who then went through them with the purpose of
making necessary corrections, and the maktubat (letters
exchanged between sufi saints) which were also a
significant source of information. These sources however
should be verified on the basis of modern research before
being accepted as historically correct.
History of India 3

It requires considerable patience to search for historical

evidence in Persian literature, belonging to the genre of
romance and morality, yet efforts to search for historical
material in this literature may be rewarded, due to the odd
bits available therein, that supplement historical sources.
Similarly, the works of the fourteenth and fifteenth century,
hitherto neglected also deserve our attention. They often
provide us with important insights into the material culture
and intellectual life. For instance, the fourteenth century
Farhang literature (lexicographical works) has historical
dimension. The proliferation of the Delhi aristocratic culture
in the provinces during the thirteenth and fourteenth
century may be gleaned from Sheikh Sharafuddin Maneri’s
epistles, or discourses which are yet to be utilized by
modern scholars although there is a fair possibility of
finding valuable information in them.

The Chachnama is the most significant and authentic

fundamental source material on the history of the ruling
dynasty of Sindh at the time of Arab invasion in 711-12
A.D. It was written by an anonymous writer in Arabic, and
was entitled Chachnama after the name of the founder of
History of India 4

the ruling house. The Arab invasion in India, and the valour
and chivalry of king Dahir, along with the sacrifices made
by his family for the safety of Sindh, find mention in this
work. It was translated into Persian by Muhammad Ali bin
Abu Bakr Kufi, and its English version was edited by U. M.
Daudpota in 1939.
History of India 5

Alberuni, the famous historian of the pre-Mughal period,

wrote the book Tahqiq-i-Hind in Arabic, which was
translated into English by C. Saachau, and into Hindi by
Rajini Kant Sharma. Alberuni was born in the territory of
Khiva. He was highly educated and owing to his knowledge
in multifarious disciplines such as, theology, philosophy,
logic, mathematics, astronomy, and astrology he achieved
prominence. He was the political counsellor of Khwarism
Shah, a ruler of Central Asia. When Mahmud Ghazni
conquered his native land Khiva in 1017, he was one of the
war prisoners, but was soon released, and permitted to lead
a free life. Mahmud's invasions perturbed his mind so much
that he refused to live in Ghazni, or to accept any job under
the Ghaznavid Sultanate. Soon he left Ghazni, and travelled
along with the invading armies of Mahmud as a freelance
observer, during the Indian invasions. He studied Sanskrit
and wrote an account of India, entitled Tahqiq-i-Hind. This
book was, later translated into Persian, and it was C.
Saachau who edited its English translation from Persian,
under the title, Alberuni's India.
History of India 6

This book is an authentic primary source of information,

about the socio-religious conditions of India and her cultural
heritage. He also analysed the reasons for the defeat of the
Hindus. He utilized Sanskrit sources to prove his viewpoint.
He has painted an impartial picture of the contemporary
political, social, economic and religious conditions of India.
As he was a great scholar of Sanskrit, he has even alluded
to the theory of Karma as discussed in the Bhagvata Gita,
the Vedas and the Upanishads, in his writings. The
weaknesses and shortcomings of Indian character have
been depicted in it. He states that the Indians could not be
united against common foreign invaders, and therefore had
to succumb to them. He has also thrown ample light on
social evils like Sati, and casteism, in his description. The
prosperity of India and the Indian taxation system have
also found mention in this work. Thus, the Tahqiq-i-Hind is
a storehouse of knowledge.
History of India 7

The Tarikh-i-Yamini or Kitab-ul-Yamini, was written by the

famous author, Utbi, who was among the personal staff of
Sultan Mahmud Ghazni. He thus had first-hand knowledge
of the life and activities of Mahmud Ghazni. His book written
in Arabic, was first translated by Abul Sharaf Jarbazkani
into Persian, while James Reynolds translated it into English
from Persian. Utbi has described the events of the reign of
Mahmud upto 1020 A.D. As he did not know the language
of India, there were several mistakes in his description,
especially regarding dates and chronology, and readers
should be circumspect when consulting his book. Utbi was
an orthodox Sunni, and that explains why he has praised
the slaughter of infidels by Mahmud. His book was popular
among the people of Ghazni, and the successors of Mahmud
as it highlighted Ghazni.

The Shahnama was written by Firdausi Tusi, the celebrated

Ghaznavid Persian poet. He indirectly refers to the
flourishing overland trade between India, Persia and the
Central Asian lands. In this work he incorporates the
cultural and commercial ethos of his age. He mentions how
many merchants moved in caravans across the Indus.
History of India 8

Indian commodities like amber, aloe-wood and camphor,

seem to have been in great demand in Iran and other
foreign countries. Imports to India, included Chinese silk,
called diba-i-chin which was extremely popular in India. In
this work we find the earliest reference to the Luliyan-i-
Hind (the Indian gypsies) travelling from India to the
foreign countries through Persia.

Sa’di’s celebrated Gulistan also contains allusions to the

availability of expensive Indian merchandise in Persia. He
mentions how camels were loaded with merchandise and
that merchants had slaves. Chinese porcelain and articles of
Indian steel seem to have been valued greatly in the Middle
Eastern countries.
History of India 9

The renowned book, Taj-uI-Maasir was written by Hasan

Nizami and contains the history of Qutbuddin Aibak. The
author was born in Nishapur but had to leave his native
land, and settle down in Ghazni. Soon he migrated to Delhi
and joined the services of Aibak, then the viceroy of
Muhammad Ghori. He started writing this book in 1205 in
deference to the wishes of Aibak. After the death of Ghori
when Aibak ascended the throne, the significance of Nizami
increased and he describes in detail the achievements of his
patron in this book. Some events of the reign of Iltutmish
(up to 1217) have also been depicted in it. The Taj-ul-
Maasir is the first historical narrative which throws light on
the history of Delhi Sultanate. The author started writing in
Arabic but soon switched over to Persian, which reveals his
command over both the languages. The writer has mingled
historical facts with fiction in his book, which makes it quite
interesting, A student of history should be careful while
going through it.
History of India 10

The Tabaqat-i-Nasiri was written by Minhaj-us-Siraj, who

belonged to an aristocratic family of Central Asia. His father
served Muhammad Ghori as Qazi and spiritual guide. Minhaj
was also a great scholar, and was appointed principal of the
Firozi Madrasa in Uchh in 1227 by Nasiruddin Qubacha.
When Uchh was occupied by Iltutmish, Minhaj was brought
to Delhi and patronized by the Sultan due to his versatility.
During the reign of Iltutmish, he made rapid progress, and
was appointed the chief Qazi of Delhi in 1235. Balban also
held him in great esteem. Besides being a theologian, he
was a historian par excellence. He wrote the history of
Islamic world in twenty-five volumes under the title of
Tabaqat-i-Nasiri. Volume-I deals with the ancestors of
Prophet Muhammad and the birth of Islam. Volumes II to X
contain the history of Caliphs, Muslim rulers of different
countries, Ghaznavids, Sultans of Ghor and the attacks of
the Mongols on Muslim kingdoms. Thus the Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
throws light not only upon Turkish rule in India but also
highlights the history of Arabia, Iran, Central Asia, Ghazni
and Ghor. Such a broad canvas elevated it to the status of
universal history.
History of India 11

The style of the book is very simple and lucid, and its
language accurate and effective. Only the main issues have
been accounted for in the book. The author put in a huge
amount of labour in collecting the source materials, before
he gave it the form of a book. The historical facts and
chronological order are praiseworthy. Some of his
interpretations are not accepted by modern historians but it
does not devalue its significance. Besides historical events,
the personal life of Sultans and Amirs, their palace
conspiracies, and romances were also described in it. It is
indeed a significant source for the history of the pre-Mughal
period.
History of India 12

Works of Amir Khusrau

Dr. K. S. Lal describes the multifarious activities of Khusrau.
"The interests and activities of Khusrau were multifarious.
Although he cannot be accepted as a good historian like
Barani, yet whatever he wrote, he did it with honesty and
truth. Hence his historical and literary works are regarded
as the most significant source material for the history of
pre-Mughal period."

Amir Khusrau was born in village Patiali in Uttar Pradesh in

1253 A.D. He was a born poet and genius as a writer. He
adorned the courts of all the Sultans from Balban to
Ghiyasuddin Tughluq. He was primarily a poet and not a
historian but his writings constitute a very significant source
material. Dr. Mahdi Hussain remarks about his versatile
personality, "Besides being a born poet, Khusrau was a
soldier, a warrior and a traveller. He travelled distant lands
in India. This travelling reminds us of the ambulatory
qalandariya Sufis, who in course of their travelling,
encounter diverse cultures, and are likely to be more liberal
and flexible In a way this renaissance personality
anticipated Babur, the versatile founder of Mughal empire.
History of India 13

With the armies of Sultan he travelled to Deogiri in the

South, Lakhanauti in the East and Multan in the West."
Mirza Muhammad Wahid writes about him, "He was the first
and by far the most prominent representative of Indo-
Muslim culture." He had a great love for music and was
popularly known as Tuti-i-Hind. His following works need
special mention:

1. Qiran-us-Sadain- This historical masnavi is composed

in the form of poetry and the meeting between Kaiqubad
and Bughra Khan has been highlighted in it. It also throws
light on the court atmosphere, prosperity of India and
contemporary socio-cultural life of the period.

2. Miftah-ul-Futuh- It is composed in verse. Military

campaigns of Jalaluddin Khalji have been described in this
book of Amir Khusrau.

3. Dewal Rani and Khizr Khan- In this masnavi Amir

Khusrau describes the story of love adventures of Khizr
Khan with Dewal Rani. It also contains a short account of
the military expedition of Alauddin and his predecessors.
History of India 14

4. Nuh-i-Sipihr- This poetic work of Amir Khusrau

highlights the political and social conditions of the reign of
Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah. Resides this, the climate of India,
religious beliefs and the animals and birds have been
depicted in it.

5. Khazain-ul-Futuh- It is written in the form of prose,

and it contains descriptions of the victories of Alauddin
Khalji. The book is very significant from a historical point of
view as the facts have not been twisted in it. Khusrau's
account of the campaign of Alauddin Khalji in the Deccan
and Mongol inroads is based on first-hand knowledge and is
very valuable as Barani does not write about it. Hence the
writings of Khusrau are a significant source material of
contemporary period.

6. Tughluq Nama- It is also a historical masnavi. The

victory of Ghiyasuddin Tughluq against Khusrau Khan has
been highlighted in this book. !t is a significant source
material for the reign of Ghiyasuddin Tughluq.
History of India 15

Besides these historical books, Khusrau wrote some literary

books such as Five Diwans, Khamsa, Aziz-i-Khusravi and
Afzal-ul- Wayad. They also throw ample light on the socio-
cultural history of that period. In fact, the works of Amir
Khusrau are a treasure- house of knowledge as regards the
life and condition of the people of India. Really, he was the
poet and historian of contemporary society.

We can wind up our discussion on Khusrau by echoing the

observation of late historian Khaliq Ahmed Nizami who
pointed out that mystic poetry was born in Ghazni but it
attracted very early the Indian poetic genius and flourished
here. From Amir Khusrau to Ghalib there was an unbroken
tradition of versification in Persian. Khusrau acknowledged
having poured in his cup the wine of Shiraz and Hasan
claimed to have plucked a flower from the garden of Sadi.
History of India 16

Khusrau wrote his Khamsah as a rejoinder to the famous

Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi. According to Jami no other
poet could write a better rejoinder to Nizami than Khusrau.
Shibli however remarks in Shir-ul-Ajom that Nizami's
work is characterized by patience and concentration, while
Khusrau wrote hurriedly and with distracted mind.
According to Dawlat Shah Samarqandi, some Central Asian
princes held a seminar on the comparative excellence of the
two Khamsahs. They debated and argued for several
days in support of their points of view. Ultimately the
following verse of Khusrau:
No hen takes a drop of water without lifting its head
towards the sky (in gratitude to God) led to their verdict in
favour of Amir Khusrau.
History of India 17

The moral and spiritual sensitivity of the poetry of 'Attar,

Sa'di, Iraqi and Rumi inspired generation after generation of
poets in India. After the Mongol irruption, poets in Iran
turned to moral and spiritual regeneration of society by
restoring the dignity of Man. The life breath of the poetic
effort of Sa'di, Rumi and Iraqi was their restless concern for
humanity. Rumi set out in search of "Man" crying (I yearn
for a true human being); Sa'di found beasts masquerading
in the form of human beings. These great poets applied all
their energy to rebuild the fallen structure of morality and
to direct a spiritual revival. In the poetry of Amir Khusrau
there is an echo of the spirit generated by these great
masters of Iran. Rumi's Masnavi and Khusrau's Matla ‘ul
Anwar supplied Dr. Mohammad Iqbal with both ideals and
emotions and he prayed to God in Armaghan-i Hijaz:
‘Bestow on me, the tumult of Rumi and the flame of
Khusrau’.
History of India 18

In the sphere of ghazal Hafiz was a charismatic figure.

His literary reputation reached India during his life time.
People in Bengal and Kashmir were in direct contact with
him. Hafiz says about his admirers in Kashmir-
The black eyed Kashmiris and Turks of Samarqand love the
verses of Hafiz of Shiraz and dance in tune.

Read as lisan-ul-ghaib (the tongue of secrets), his

diwan was consulted for auguries and divinations. The
Bankipur Library has a manuscript of Diwani-i-Hafiz
which was particularly consulted by the Mughal rulers,
Humayun and Jahangir, Hafiz returned India's compliment
to Persian masters by eulogizing Tutian-i Hind. His
esteem of Khusrau's poetry is evident from the fact that he
copied out the Khamsah in his own hand.
History of India 19

Tarikh-i-Firozshahi
This famous book was written by Ziauddin Barani who was
the greatest historian of early medieval India. He was born
in 1285 A. D. in an aristocratic family. His father Sayyad
Muvvaid-ul-Mulk was in the service of Balban, hence Barani
was brought up in the capital in a royal atmosphere. He
received high education and was appointed in a respectable
position in the imperial court, under Muhammad-bin-
Tughluq, As Firoz Tughluq withdrew his patronage, Barani
had to pass his later life in a miserable way. He suffered
poverty and died a broken-hearted man in the Khanqah of
Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya. Elliot and Dowson remark, "He
was reduced to such extreme poverty that no more costly
shroud than a piece of coarse matting could be furnished
for the funeral obsequies."
History of India 20

History of a century from 1259 to 1353 has been described

in Tarikh-i-Firozsbahi of Barani. His book is a continuation
of the Tabaqat-i-Nasiri as it begins from where the book of
Minhaj ends. Not only was Barani regarded as the premier
historian of the age but his book was also considered as a
standard work of history. Besides the political events,
administration, society, economy, and justice have been
described. It was an important source material of medieval
Indian history. But Elliot has not accepted him as a fair and
unbiased writer as he distorted various facts of the reign of
Muhammad Tughluq. To quote his own words, "Barani has
failed to describe several important events of his age or
gave them in very short so that his protector Sultans were
not offended."
History of India 21

Barani is deficient in dates. At certain places he does not

describe the events in chronological order. His fanaticism
also compelled him to describe the events in a biased
manner. He has blamed Hindus at several places for
blackmarketing and forgery but he does not write a word
against the Muslims. In spite of these shortcomings Tarikh-
i-Firozshahi is a very reliable book and a significant source
for knowing contemporary history.

Fatawa-i-Jahandari
It is a continuation of Barani's Tarikh-i-Firozshahi. The
author elaborates the political philosophy of the Delhi
Sultanate on the basis of his earlier works. It deals with
such topics as the safety of the king, justice, army, and
price control. Religion and politics and the spy system of the
Sultans have also been described in this book.
History of India 22

Fatuhat-i-Firozshahi
Sultan Firoz had written a small book of thirty-two pages in
autobiographical manner. It describes in brief his military
campaigns. The Sultan describes his success and failures in
a clear way. It throws light on the attempts of the Sultan
for the propagation of Islam. We know through this book
that the Sultan collected only those taxes which were
permitted by Quran. He realized Jaziya from the Hindus.
The Brahmans were also forced to pay this religious lax
during his reign. He did much for the good of the people
and gave liberal compensations to those who were punished
by his predecessor. Through this book, perhaps the Sultan
wanted to emphasize that he was an ideal Muslim ruler in
spite of the fact that he was born of a Hindu mother.

Afif's Tarikh-i-Firozshahi
Shams-i-Siraj Afif was born in 1342 A.D. His father was in
the employment of Firoz Tughluq. Afif after completing his
education also received patronage of the Sultan. He wrote
several works but Tarikh-i-Firozshahi is his only available
book. He started writing this book after the invasion of
Timur, the lame.
History of India 23

Events of the reign of Firoz Shah Tughluq have been

depicted in this book. All his works of public welfare and his
attack on Bengal, and invasion of Mongols on India during
his reign have been dealt with in detail. Political and
economic events and cultural aspects of the life of the
people during the reign of Tughluq Sultans have also been
described in this book. From the study of this book, we may
conclude that Firoz Tughluq was really the forerunner of
Sher Shah Suri and Akbar, for he did a lot for the good of
his public. Elliot remarks, "It gives us altogether a better
view of the internal condition of India under a
Mohammedan sovereign than is presented to us in any
other work except the Ain-i-Akbari.
History of India 24

Futuh-us-Salatin
It was written by Khwaja Abdullah Malik lsami in 1349-50.
It contains the events of the Turkish rule in India from the
Ghaznavids to Muhammad-bin-Tughluq. He was forced to
migrate to Daulatabad when Muhammad-bin-Tughluq
shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. He had to
suffer great hardships in Deccan and passed a very
wretched life. Hence he could not have a soft corner for
Muhammad-bin-Tughluq. He did not return to Delhi even
when the Sultan ordered the people to go back to Delhi.
After the establishment of Bahmani kingdom in Deccan, he
was provided patronage by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah,
the first ruler of Bahmani kingdom. Futuh-us-Salatin was
completed by lsami under the protective wings of Bahman
Shah. As lsami was not a court historian of any of the
Tughluq Sultans, he wrote his account in an unbiased
manner; therefore, his description is nearer the truth.
History of India 25

The book has been composed in verse. It begins from

Ghaznavids and ends at Tughluq dynasty. Dr. K. S. Lai has
remarked'about it, "The text has neither historical mistakes
nor lacks the beauty of the poetry. lsami has depicted in it
the achievements of Alauddin Hasan in exaggerated terms.
As he was annoyed with Muhammad-bin- Tughluq, he has
described him as the wisest fool in Islamic world." lsami
also throws light on the closing years of the reign,of
Nasiruddin Mahmood which has not been referred to by
Minhaj-us-Siraj. Futuh- us-Salatin also supplements the
description of Barani. Thus it abridges the gaps between
Minhaj and Barani and, therefore, is regarded a significant
contemporary source material.
History of India 26

Malfuzat-i-Timuri
Amir Timur (1334-1405) wrote his autobiography. It was
originally written in Turki and translated into Persian by Abu
Talib Hussain during the reign of the Mughal emperor, Shah
Jahan. There had been a difference of opinion about the
authenticity of this book among modern historians for a
long time but now it has been accepted from all quarters as
a genuine work. It provides factual information of the reign
of Tughluqs. Timur has highlighted his own cruelties in this
autobiography in a straightforward way. It also provides
significant information about the history of the later
Tughluq rulers.

Fawaid ul Fuad
This malfuzat was compiled by Amir Hasan Sijzi. It is
replete with information relating to the most illustrious
Chisti sufi of the Sultanate period, Nizamuddin Auliya. This
work shows how his ideal of simple living and high thinking
made him popular among both the nobility and the masses.
His teachings implied that liberal-human and spiritual
approach is more important than external rituals. Service to
humanity and mankind was emphasized by this great saint.
History of India 27

At the same time he tried to familiarize the Muslim masses

with the basic tenets of Islam. Another important aspect of
this work is that it deals with female Sufis of the Sultanate
period. Chishtis often have a liberal attitude towards
women.

Zafarnama
It was written by Maulana Sharafuddin Ali Yazid: It also
deals with the events of the reign of Tughluq and specially
the life of Amir Timur. It is merely a reproduction of the
Malfusat-i-Timuri.

Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi
History of India 28

It was written by Yahya-bin-Ahmad Sirhindi. It is the only

book on the history of Sayyid dynasty (1414- 51) but it also
contains the history of Muhammad Ghori and his succeeding
rulers up to the third ruler of the Sayyid dynasty. The
earlier part of the book was written with the help of the
works of other historians but the later part he wrote upon
the basis of trustworthy information and personal
knowledge. Elliot describes Yahya- bin-Ahmad as a 'careful
and honest chronicler'. Most of the events which are hot
referred to by Barani and Afif have been alluded to by him
in the Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi. This book is accepted as a
significant source material by historians like Nizamuddin,
Badayuni and Ferishta.

Kitab-ur-Rehla
History of India 29

Among the travellers who visited India and wrote their

memoirs, the name of lbn-i-Batuta is quite noteworthy. His
book Rehla throws ample light on the political and socio-
cultural history of the contemporary period. lbn-i-Batuta
was born at Tangier in 1304 A.D. After receiving education
and becoming expert in Islamic theology, he began a life-
long tour of the world in 1325. Travelling through various
countries of Africa and Arabian Peninsula, he reached Sindh
in 1333 from where he moved on to Delhi. He was
appointed Qazi of Delhi by Muhammad-bin-Tughluq. He was
imprisoned for corruption after eight years of honourable
life. Soon he was released and sent to China in 1342 but as
the ship in which he was travelling was sunk, he returned to
Delhi without completing the mission. Thereafter, he bade
goodbye to Delhi and started on the journey to his
motherland. He reached Morocco in 1349 and was
welcomed there with pomp and show. Under the patronage
of the Sultan of Morocco, he wrote his book Rehla. He was
loved and honoured by his countrymen and died at the age
of seventy-three.
History of India 30

The book entitled Rehla, was originally written in Arabic. A.

Mahdi Hussain translated it into English. It is a very
significant source for the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughluq
and also throws light on the contemporary socio-political
conditions of India. But there were some serious
shortcomings in it. The original papers on which he wrote
his memoirs were lost somewhere during touring life, so
after reaching Morocco Ibn-Batuta wrote his memoirs on
the basis of his memory, hence there must be some gaps or
mistakes. He was ignorant of Persian nor did he know the
Indian language, so he could neither consult the royal
records which were written in Persian, the court language,
nor could he talk to the people of India for want of linguistic
problem. However, the significance of Rehla as an
important source of history cannot be denied but his
description of Muhammad- bin-Tughluq's character should
be read very cautiously, as it has certain biased details.
Besides the above-referred sources, the following books are
also significant from the point of view of source material of
contemporary history:
1. Waqiat-i-Mushtaqi written by Shaikh Rizqullah.
2. Tarikh-i-Salatin-i-Afghana by Ahmad Yadgar.
History of India 31

3. Makhzani Afghana by Nimatullah.

4. Tarikh-i-Daudi by Abdullah.
5. Tarikh-i-Sindh by Mir Muhammad Masum.
6. Tarikh-i-Rashidi by Mirza Haider.

Besides Ibn Batuta the following travellers also contributed

significant source material through their writings which
helped modern historians to form their views and describe
the events of the contemporary history in their own ways.
1. Abdur Razzaq
2. Marco Polo
3. Nicoli Conti
4. Barbosa
5. Domingos Paes

These contemporary books, details of which are given

above, can be classified dynasty-wise in the following order:

The Ghaznavids and the Ghorids

1. Muhammad-bin-Qasim's Chachnama.
2. Alberuni's Tahqiq-i-Hind.
3. Utbi's Tarikh-i-Yamini.
History of India 32

The Slave Dynasty

1. Hasan Nizami's Taj-ul-Maasir.
2. Minhaj-us-Siraj's Tabaqat-i-Nasiri.
3. Ziauddin Barani's Tarikh-i Firozshahi.

The Khalji Dynasty

History of India 33

1. Ziauddin Barani's Tarikh-i-Firozshahi.

2. Amir Khusrau's Historical and Literary books.
3. Isami's Futuh-us-Salatin.
4. Ibn Batuta's Rehla.
The Tughluq Dynasty
1. Writings of Amir Khusrau.
2. Ziauddin Barani's Tarikh-i-Firozshahi.
3. Afif's Tarikh-i-Firozshahi.
4. Isami's Futuh-us-Salatin.
5. Ibn-i-Batuta's Rehla.
6. Sultan Firoz Tughluq's Futuhat-i-Firozshahi.

Sayyid Dynasty
1. Yahya-bin-Ahmad's Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi.

Lodi Dynasty
1. Shaikh Rizqullah's Waqiat-i-Mushtaqi.
2. Ahmad Yadar's Tarikh-i-Salatin.
3. Nimatullah's Makhzani-i-Afghana.
4. Abdullah's Tairkh-i-Daudi.