The Lodi Dynasty (1451 to 1526), was the last phase of the Delhi Sultanate. After the last Sayyid emperor, Mohammed-bin-Farid died in 1451, Bahlul Khan Lodi (died 1489), a warrior and governor of Punjab, came to the throne after other claimants abdicated. He stopped uprisings within provinces and garnered political support by giving Jaghirs (administrative territories) to his native Afghan nobles.

Bahlul nominated his second son, Sikandar Lodi (born Nizam Khan and died 1517) to succeed him. However, nobles backed the rule of Barbak Shah , his first son that had been appointed viceroy of Jaunpur. A power struggle ensued, and Sikandar eventually won the struggle against Barbak and his ally, Hussain Shah of Jaunpur. He proved to be a capable ruler, and was somewhat merciful to his opponents. He allowed Barbak governship over Jaunpur, and also resolved differences with an uncle, Alam Khan, who had conspired to overthrow him. Sikandar also brought many Afghan nobles under his control, conquered Gwalior and Bihar, and encouraged trade across his holdings. He was a kind ruler and founded the present-day city of Agra in 1503.

Sikandar's son, Ibrahim Lodi (died 1526), took the throne in 1517. His rule was problematic from the start, as nobles named his brother, Jalal Khan , ruler over Jaunpur in an attempt to divide his kingdom. Ibrahim had his brother assassinated in an attempt to consolidate power. However, he never really gained the support of his subjects, as he ruled with fear and was very strict and disrespectful to his nobles. Ibrahim tried to make his presence felt by retaking Gwalior in a military campaign, but Ibrahim's luck ran out against Rana Singa , the ruler of Mewar , who defeated his armies twice and drove him back. The Afghan nobles grew discontent with Ibrahim's rule and cruelty, and sent for the armies of Babur, the ruler of Kabul, to overthrow the Lodi dynasty.

Babur was officially invited to take India by Daulat Khan Lodi , a governor in Lahore, and Alam Khan , an uncle of Sultan Ibrahim. With this invitation, Babur brought his armies and was able to topple the Lodi rule at the Battle of Panipat in 1526. His army's use of artillery, plus the desertion of many nobles and soldiers from Ibrahim Lodi's forces, led to victory despite being heavily outnumbered. Indian rule was to change under Babur, the first ruler of the Mughal Dynasty in India.

References

• http://www.webindia123.com/history/MEDIEVAL/delhisultanate/delhi%20sultanate4.htm
• http://sify.com/itihaas/fullstory.php?id=13233620