The Delhi Sultanate was a series of five dynasties that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 13th to the 16th centuries. It began with the establishment of the Mamluk Dynasty in 1206 and included notable dynasties like the Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi. The sultans were primarily of Turkic and Afghan origin and played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in India. During its rule, the Delhi Sultanate saw significant cultural and architectural developments, including the construction of iconic structures like the Qutub Minar and the Alai Darwaza. The sultanate also faced challenges, such as invasions from the Mongols and internal strife, which eventually led to its decline and the rise of the Mughal Empire in the early 16th century.