The Delhi Sultanate period (1206–1526 CE) marked the advent of new political, cultural, and technological influences in the Indian subcontinent. The ruling elites, of Turko-Afghan and Persian origin, introduced a variety of technological innovations, especially in the fields of military, agriculture, architecture, textiles, and metallurgy, which had a long-lasting impact on Indian society.

Major Technological Changes Introduced

1. Military Technology

   • Changes Introduced:
     • Introduction of cavalry warfare using horses and mounted archers.
     • Use of composite bows, stirrups, and chainmail armor.
     • Deployment of siege engines, catapults, and battering rams in warfare.
     • Gunpowder began to be experimented with, though its full use came under the Mughals.
   • Impact:
     • Led to the decline of traditional Indian infantry-based warfare and rise of cavalry-dominated armies.
     • It led to centralized and rise of standing armies.

2. Irrigation and Agriculture

   • Changes Introduced:
     • Construction of stepwells, canals, and use of Persian wheels (rahat) for lifting water.
     • Promotion of crop rotation and introduction of new crops such as spinach and citrus fruits.
   • Impact:
     • Boosted agricultural productivity and allowed for multi-cropping, supporting urbanization and trade.
     • It led to Urbanization - Growth of cities like Delhi, Daulatabad, and Badaun as administrative hubs.

3. Architectural Techniques

   • Changes Introduced:
     • Use of true arches, domes, and vaulting techniques using lime mortar.
     • Introduction of slender minarets, jalis (latticework),, Arabesque and calligraphy in buildings.
     • Example: Qutb Minar, Alai Darwaza, Tughlaqabad Fort.
   • Impact:
     • Fusion of Indo-Islamic architectural styles enriched Indian cultural heritage.
     • Cultural Synthesis - Indo-Islamic architecture, art, and literature flourished.

4. Textile Production

   • Changes Introduced:
     • Introduction of spinning wheels (charkha) enhanced yarn production.
     • Use of new dyeing techniques and patterns from Central Asia.
   • Impact:
     • Expansion of cotton and silk weaving, especially in Gujarat and Bengal.
     • Gave rise to Indian textiles becoming famous globally, leading to trade expansion.

5. Metallurgy

   • Changes Introduced:
     • Improved iron smelting and weapon forging techniques.
     • Production of high-quality swords, armor, and building tools.
   • Impact: Supported both military and infrastructural development.

6. Paper and Bookmaking

   • Changes Introduced:
     • Introduction of paper-making technology from Central Asia.
     • Establishment of libraries and madrasas (Islamic schools).
   • Impact: Encouraged literacy, preservation of knowledge, and growth of scholarship.

7. Education

   • Changes Introduced:
     • Persian language as royal court language.
   • Impact:
     • Growth of Persian language, madrasas, and Islamic scholarship.

The Sultanate period acted as a technological and cultural bridge between the Indian subcontinent and the Islamic world of Central and West Asia. The innovations introduced during this period laid the groundwork for a more urbanized, militarized, and interconnected society, setting the stage for the Mughal era's further advancements.