The Military and Economic Policy of Sultan Fihrus Syah Tughlaq: A Historiography Approach in the Historical Context of 14th Century India

Kebijakan Militer dan Ekonomi Sultan Fihrus Syah Tughlaq: Suatu Pendekatan Historiografi dalam Konteks Sejarah India Abad Ke-14

Abstract

This study explores the military and economic policies of Sultan Fihrus Syah Tughlaq through a historiographical lens, placing his reign within the broader historical context of 14^th century India. As a lesser-known figure of the Tughlaq dynasty, Sultan Fihrus Syah’s governance strategies reflect the complex interplay between military ambition and economic stabilization during a period marked by political fragmentation and external threats. The research utilizes primary and secondary historical sources to critically assess the extent to which Fihrus Syah’s policies influenced the stability and territorial integrity of the Sultanate of Delhi. Militarily, his reign was characterized by fortification strategies, regional military campaigns, and the use of mercenary forces to consolidate power. Economically, the Sultan implemented tax reforms, sought to revive agricultural productivity, and encouraged trade through infrastructural development. By applying a historiographical approach, the paper analyzes how different historians have interpreted his policies over time, revealing contrasting narratives shaped by contemporary political and cultural biases. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of regional leadership dynamics and policy-making in medieval South Asia, highlighting the need to reassess marginal figures in Islamic Indian historiography. Ultimately, it presents Sultan Fihrus Syah as a ruler whose policies, though often overshadowed, were instrumental in shaping the transitional era of the Tughlaq dynasty.