SULTAN SIKANDER (1389-1413 A.D.):

On Qutab-ud-din’s death his eldest son, Sikander was installed on the throne of Kashmir but he remained under the regency of his mother Sura till he attained the marurity. In early of his reign he suppressed the rebellion of his Prime Minister, Rai Magre.

The king very tactfully avoided confrontation with Timur when he marched towards Indus with desired booty to present before Timur where he laid unchamped.Timur was pleased to hear about the behaviour of Sultan and abandoned the idea of attacking Kashmir. He left Indus fro Samarkand and even did not wait for the booty which Sikendar had brought for the Sultan.

Another important event great historical significance during his rule was the arrival of Mir Sayyid Mohammad Hamdani (1393 A.D) in the valley. His stay of 12 years in the valley enabled him to great extent, to carry forward the mission of his father Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani. He succeeded in converting large section of population to Islam particularly Suhabhat the Prime Minister of the Sultan Sikendar.The Kashmir chroniclers hold Sultan and his Prime Ministers Subhabhata responsible for large scale destruction of temples but modern historians dispute the statement or earlier chronicles and refer to the existence of large number of ancient temples in the valley even after a lapse of centuries after Sikendar. These historians, however believe that some of the temple on the valley were definitely destroyed and converted into Mosque after the population of that particular locality got converted to Islam.

The Sultan held Mir Sayyid Mohammad Hamdani in great esteem and, under his influence , he introduced various in the society. The custom of sati and some oppressive taxes were abolished and the use of the wine and other intoxicants was banned. Gambling, dancing of women and use of musical instruments were prohibited.Sharia (Islamic law) was enforced with all strictness and the office of Shaikh-ul-Islam was established for this purpose.

Sikander was a patron of learning and opened many schools. He built places, mosques and hospices at various places. The famous mosque of Jamia Masjid at Srinagar was built by him.
He died in 1413 A.D after nominating Mir Khan as successor to the throne of Kashmir.