Slave Dynasty (Mamluk Dynasty), 1206–1290
Key Pointers
- Qutbuddin Aibak (1206–10): Founder; called Lakh Baksh (giver of lakhs) for his generosity. Began the Qutb Minar (in honour of Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki) and built Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque (Delhi) and Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra (Ajmer). Died playing polo (chaugan) in Lahore.
- Iltutmish (1211–36): Real consolidator. Shifted the capital from Lahore to Delhi. Received the investiture letter (mansur) from the Abbasid Caliph in 1229. Introduced the silver tanka and copper jital. Organised the Chihalgani/Turkan-i-Chihalgani (Forty). Completed Qutb Minar. Avoided Mongol threat under Chengiz Khan by refusing shelter to Jalaluddin Mangbarni.
- Razia Sultan (1236–40): First and only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Appointed the Abyssinian Jamaluddin Yaqut as Master of Horse. Opposed by Turkish nobles; killed in 1240.
- Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266–87): Theory of kingship based on divine right (Zil-i-Ilahi). Introduced Sijda (prostration) and Paibos (kissing the feet) and the Persian festival Nauruz. Destroyed the Chihalgani. Reorganised the military (Diwan-i-Arz) and set up an effective spy system. Followed a policy of 'blood and iron'.
- Decline: Weak successors after Balban (e.g., Kaiqubad); Jalaluddin Khalji took over in 1290 (the 'Khalji Revolution').
MCQs
Q1. Who introduced the silver tanka and copper jital in the Delhi Sultanate?
(a) Aibak
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Balban
(d) Alauddin Khalji
Answer: (b).
Q2. The practice of Sijda and Paibos in the court was introduced by:
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Razia
(c) Balban
(d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Answer: (c). These were part of Balban's theory of kingship.
Q3. Which of the following is correct about Razia Sultan?
(a) She was Balban's daughter.
(b) She was the first woman Sultan of Delhi.
(c) She appointed an Abyssinian noble as Master of Horse.
d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: (d). She was Iltutmish's daughter.