Jaunpur, historically known as Sheeraz-e-Hind, dates from 1359, when the city was founded by the Sultan of Delhi, Feroz Shah Tughlaq, and named in memory of his cousin, Muhammad bin Tughluq, whose given name was Jauna Khan.

In 1388, Feroz Shah Tughlaq had appointed Malik Sarwar, a eunuch, who is notorious for having been the lover of Feroz Shah Tughlaq's daughter, as the governor of the region.

The Sultanate is in disarray because of factional fighting, and in 1393 Malik Sarwar declares independence.

He and his adopted son Mubarak Shah found what will come to be known as the Sharqi dynasty (dynasty of the East).

During the Sharqi period, the Jaunpur Sultanate will be a strong military power in North India, and on several occasions will threaten the Delhi Sultanate.