The Khilji Dynasty was a Muslim Dynasty of Turkic origin which ruled North India from 1290-1320 CE. They were the 2nd dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Known for assassins and tyrants, the Khiljis were a powerful dynasty who successfully stopped the Mongol invaders and raided the south of the subcontinent. Though of a Turkic origin, they had Afghani habits and customs and hence are sometimes considered as ethnic Afghans. Nearly all of Khiljis came to power by killing many of their family members and other contenders to the throne. In spite of being tyrants they introduced several land reforms and tried to gain the goodwill of the notabilities.

Jalal-ud-din Khilji or Firuz Khilji was the founder Khilji dynasty. After Balban of the Slave or Mamluk dynasty died, the administration of the Sultanate fell into chaos and the court was caught in conflict. Jalal-ud-din Khilji placed himself at the head of a powerful faction and killed Kaiqubad, grandson of Balban, and seized the throne. Thus the rule of the Slave dynasty ended and the Khilji imperialism began.

The first two rulers, Jalal-ud-din Khilji and Ruknuddin Ibrahim, followed the coin style of Balban of the Mamluk dynasty. Ala-ud-din Khilji who had increased his treasury by invading south of the country issued voluminous coins. Ala-ud-din Khilji and Mubarak Shah Khilji issued gold ‘tankas’ of heavy weights.

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