Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate was a period in Indian history marked by the rule of several Muslim dynasties from the early 13th to the early 16th century. The Sultanate was established by the Mamluk dynasty, also known as the Slave dynasty, which was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206. The Mamluk dynasty was the first to rule the Delhi Sultanate and laid the foundation for the Sultanate's administration and military structure.
The Khilji dynasty, also known as the Khalji dynasty, succeeded the Mamluk dynasty. The Khilji dynasty was established by Jalal-ud-din Firuz Khilji in 1290 and was known for its military conquests and the expansion of the Sultanate's territory. The most notable ruler of the Khilji dynasty was Alauddin Khilji, who expanded the Sultanate's territory significantly and is known for his military campaigns against the Rajput kingdoms and the Deccan region.
The Khilji dynasty was followed by the Tughlaq dynasty, which was established by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq in 1320. The Tughlaq dynasty is known for its administrative reforms and the construction of the city of Tughlaqabad. The Tughlaq dynasty was succeeded by the Sayyid dynasty, which ruled from 1414 to 1451, and the Lodi dynasty, which ruled until the establishment of the Mughal Empire in 1526.
In the context of the question, the correct answer is the Khilji dynasty, as it was the dynasty that succeeded the Mamluk dynasty and took over the Delhi Sultanate. The Khilji dynasty played a significant role in the expansion and consolidation of the Sultanate's power, making it a crucial period in the history of the Delhi Sultanate.