Firuz Shah Tughlaq vs Shi Jingtang

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.

Shi Jingtang, a general of Later Tang, rebelled against Emperor Li Congke. He sought help from the Khitan Liao dynasty, promising territorial concessions in return for military support.

With Khitan support, Shi Jingtang defeated Later Tang and proclaimed himself emperor, founding the Later Jin dynasty. He ruled as a vassal of the Liao emperor, paying tribute and acknowledging Liao suzerainty.

Shi Jingtang formally ceded the Sixteen Prefectures of the Youyun region to the Khitan Liao dynasty as payment for their aid. This territorial loss weakened Chinese defenses and gave the Liao a strategic foothold for centuries.

Shi Jingtang died, leaving a weak successor. His death triggered a power struggle that led to the Later Jin's eventual conquest by the Liao dynasty in 947.