Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1309-1388) was a ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty who reigned over the Delhi Sultanate from 1351 to 1388. His rule is notable for significant administrative, social, and economic reforms, as well as for his efforts in public works and infrastructure development.

Achievements:

1. Public Works and Infrastructure: Firoz Shah Tughlaq is renowned for his extensive public works. He constructed numerous canals for irrigation, including the Yamuna Canal, to improve agriculture. He also built several reservoirs (hauz) and rest houses (sarai) to aid travelers.
2. Urban Development: Firoz Shah founded several new towns, such as Firozabad, Jaunpur, Hissar, and Fatehabad, contributing to urbanization and development during his reign.
3. Monuments and Architecture: He was a prolific builder, commissioning many monuments, including the Firoz Shah Kotla in Delhi, which served as his capital. He also restored numerous old structures and mosques.
4. Military Campaigns: Although not as aggressive as some predecessors, Firoz Shah managed to maintain control over his territories and undertook campaigns to suppress rebellions and consolidate power within the Sultanate.

Reforms:

1. Administrative Reforms: Firoz Shah introduced several administrative changes, including the codification of laws. He established Diwan-i-Khairat (Department of Charity) to aid orphans and widows and Diwan-i-Bundagan (Department of Slaves) to manage and look after the welfare of slaves.
2. Economic Reforms: He implemented tax reforms, reducing the burden on peasants. He introduced new taxes like Kharaj (land tax), Jizya (poll tax on non-Muslims), and Sharb (irrigation tax), but made efforts to collect them more systematically and fairly.
3. Religious Policies: Firoz Shah was known for his orthodox Islamic policies. He imposed Sharia more strictly and persecuted certain Hindu practices and festivals.
4. Educational Reforms: He founded several madrasas (Islamic schools) and promoted education. He also set up hospitals (Dar-ul-Shifa) and encouraged the translation of important texts into Persian.

Trivia and Lesser-Known Facts:

• Firoz Shah Tughlaq is credited with the establishment of a systematic record-keeping process, creating a detailed account of his reign in his autobiography, Futuhat-e-Firozshahi.
• He was the first Sultan of Delhi to commission the Ashokan pillars, transporting two from their original locations and erecting them in Delhi.
• Unlike many of his predecessors, Firoz Shah avoided harsh punishments and emphasized rehabilitation over retribution.
• He had a unique interest in architecture and even devised plans to build pyramids in India, although these were never realized.