A family of Afghan origin whose rule over northern India (1451–1526) marked the last phase of the Delhi sultanate era. Their founder, Bahlul (1451–89), who already had a strong base in the Punjab, took advantage of Sayyid weakness to seize power in Delhi. He and his two successors extended power eastwards through Jaunpur to the borders of Bengal and threatened Malwa to the south.
Sikander (1489–1517)
consolidated his father’s gains but was also renowned as a patron of poets, musicians, and other scholars. However, attempts by his successor, Ibrahim (1517–26), to secure greater centralization alienated many local governors. In retaliation, Daulat Khan, governor of the Punjab, invited the ruler of Kabul, the Mogul prince, Babur, to invade India. His defeat of the Lodis in the ensuing battle at Panipat (1526), resulted in the destruction of the dynasty and the establishment of the Mogul empire.