Bahlul Khan Lodi

Bahlul Khan Lodi (; died 12 July 1489) was the chief of the Afghan Lodi tribe. He was the founder of the Lodi dynasty from the Delhi Sultanate, upon the abdication of the last claimant from the previous Sayyid dynasty. Bahlul became sultan of the dynasty on 19 April 1451 He later took service under the governor of Multan, Malik Mardan Daulat. Bahram had five sons. His eldest son, Malik Sultan Shah Lodi, later served the Sayyid dynasty under Khizr Khan and distinguished himself by killing in the battle Khizr's worst enemy, Mallu Iqbal Khan. He was rewarded with the title of Islam Khan, and in 1419 appointed the governor of Sirhind. Bahlul, the son of Malik Kala Khan Lodi (the younger brother of Malik Sultan) was married to Malik Sultan's daughter.

In his youth, Bahlul was involved in the trading of horses and once sold his finely bred horses to the Sayyid Sultan Muhammad Shah. As a payment he was granted a pargana and raised to the status of amir. After the death of Malik Sultan, he became the governor of Sirhind. He was then allowed to add Lahore to his charge. Once, Sultan Muhammad Shah asked for his help when the Malwa Sultan Mahmud Khalji invaded his territory. Bahlul joined the imperial army with 20,000 mounted soldiers. By his cleverness, he was able to project himself as a victor over the army of the Malwa Sultan and Sultan Muhammad Shah conferred on him the title of Khan-i-Khanan. He also accepted Bahlul's occupation over a large part of Punjab.

The site of his grave is disputed. The Archeological Survey of India has long designated a building close to the shrine of the noted Sufi saint Nasiruddin Chirag-e-Delhi in a locality that goes by his name, 'Chirag Delhi', as Bahlul Lodi's tomb. Other historians argue that the Sheesh Gumbad in the Lodi Gardens is actually to be identified with his tomb.

Marriages

Bahlul married two times: Shams Khatun, daughter of Malik Sultan Shah Lodi, his first cousin; Bibi Ambha, daughter of a Hindu goldsmith