The Delhi Sultanate

After the campaigns out of Afghanistan, the commander Qutb ud-Din Aibak—once a slave—proclaims himself ruler in Delhi. There begins a succession of dynasties that hold northern India for three centuries, and at times reach the south as well. The capital is rebuilt: the minaret of Qutb Minar rises, the pointed arch and the dome come into use, Persian becomes the language of court and chancery. The sultanate proves a shield against the Mongols, but within it is shaken by coups, famine and revolt. In 1526, at Panipat, Babur defeats the last sultan—and the empire of the Great Mughals arrives.