Why is the reign of the Khaljis known as the 'Khalji Revolution'?

Answer:

The accession of the Khaljis in 1290 is called the "Khalji Revolution" because it broke the monopoly of the Turkish nobility and, under Alauddin Khalji, introduced far-reaching reforms in the state, economy and army.

Political Revolution

End of Turkish monopoly:

• The Khaljis, though Turkicised, were regarded as of Afghan/mixed origin; their rise ended the exclusive dominance of the "racial" Turkish nobility (the Chalisa).
• Broadened the ruling class on the basis of ability rather than birth.

Alauddin Khalji's Reforms

Theory of kingship:

• Separated religion from politics, asserting the Sultan's absolute authority and framing laws in state interest.

Market (price) control:

• Fixed prices of grain, cloth and other goods; established markets (mandis), a rationing and inspection system to maintain a large, cheaply paid army.

Revenue and military reforms:

• Land revenue fixed at half the produce, measured land (masahat), curbed intermediaries.
• Introduced dagh (branding of horses) and chehra (descriptive rolls) to build an efficient standing army.

Significance

• Repelled Mongol invasions and expanded into the Deccan.
• Strengthened central authority as never before.

Therefore, the Khalji period is termed a "revolution" because it democratised the nobility and, through Alauddin's economic, military and administrative reforms, transformed the character of the Sultanate.