The term refers to a series of five successive dynasties, of largely Central Asian and Turkic origin, that ruled over parts of the Indian subcontinent from 1206 to 1526. These dynasties include the Mamluk, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties. Their governance established a centralized authority in the region, significantly impacting the political landscape of medieval India. For instance, the construction of notable architectural landmarks, like the Qutub Minar, exemplifies the cultural fusion that characterized this period.
The significance of this period lies in its introduction of new administrative systems, architectural styles, and cultural interactions between Islamic and Hindu societies. The establishment of a centralized system of taxation and governance facilitated economic development and infrastructure projects. This era marked a crucial transition in the history of India, laying the groundwork for the subsequent Mughal Empire and shaping the socio-cultural fabric of the region for centuries to come. Its influence on language, art, and administrative practices remains evident in modern India.