Firuz Shah Tughlaq

Firuz Shah Tughlaq founded the city of Firuzabad and built the Firuz Shah Kotla fortress in Delhi. The complex included a palace, a mosque, and a pillar of Ashoka brought from Topra. It became a major administrative center.

Firuz Shah Tughlaq established the Diwan-i-Khairat, a department for charity and welfare. It provided financial assistance to the poor, widows, and orphans. This institutionalized state-sponsored social welfare in the Delhi Sultanate.

Firuz Shah Tughlaq oversaw the construction of five major canals from the Yamuna and Sutlej rivers to irrigate fields in the Delhi region. These canals improved agricultural productivity and reduced famine risk. They were a key public works achievement.

Firuz Shah Tughlaq imposed the jizya tax on Brahmins, who had previously been exempt. This policy was based on his interpretation of Islamic law and caused resentment among Hindus. It marked a departure from earlier, more tolerant policies.