Delhi Sultanate
Muhammad Ghori defeated Jaichand in the Battle of Chandavar and this laid foundation of the Turkish Sultanate in India. But, in this situation, the Khokkars revolted in Punjab. Muhammad Ghori suppressed this revolt. But when he was coming back to Delhi in 1206, he was killed at the place called Damyak.
Actually, he had no sons. So, the charge or responsibility of India’s Turkish Empire came in the hand of his Slave officers. In these circumstances, Qutubuddin Aibak saw a dream to start an independent Sultanate in India. So, from here, the story of Delhi Sultanate started.
There were following Dynasties ruled under Delhi Sultanate,
- Slave Dynasty.
- Khalji Dynasty.
- Tughlaq Dynasty.
- Saiyyd Dynasty.
- Lodhi Dynasty.
In this particular post, we are going to read about the Slave Dynasty.
Slave Dynasty
The people of the Slave Dynasty were also called Mamluk. Mamluk means “owned”. This word used to distinguish the imported Turkish Slave. Qutubuddin Aibak established the Slave Dynasty.
Qutubuddin Aibak (1206-1210 CE)
He was a slave of Muhammad Ghori. He set up his military headquarters at Indraprastha near Delhi. Then he assumed the title of Sultan. His capital was Lahore. Qutubuddin Aibak was the first independent Muslim ruler of Northern India. He was so generous that he got the title of “Lakh-Baksha”.
Qutubuddin Aibak patronized great scholar Hasan Nizami. He started the construction of Qutub Minar. But later it was completed by the Iltutmish. But, after the 4 years of his reign, he died accidental death while playing Chaugan or Polo. Iltutamish succeeded Qutubuddin Aibak.
He also built two mosques “Quwwat-ul-Islam” mosque at Delhi and “Dhai din ka Jhopra” at Ajmer.
Iltutmish (1210-1236)
Iltutmish was the governor of Badayuin during the reign of Qutubuddin Aibak. He was a son-in-law of Qutubuddin. He consolidated the conquered Delhi Sultanate. During his reign initially, he faced many rebellions. The chief of Jalore and Ranthambore declared their independence, but Iltutmish soon conquered these regions.
The major threat to his Empire was Mongol Invasion. Here, he played a diplomatic role to save his north-western frontier from Mongols. He refused to give shelter to Jalaluddin Mangabarni, the Khwarism (Ukraine) Prince. Actually, Chengis Khan, the Mongols destroyed the Khwarism Empire. So, the prince of Khwarism asked for shelter from Iltutmish. But he denied and avoided unnecessary confrontation with the Mongols.
Relation with Caliph
The relation between Iltutmish and Caliph was a moral relation to the following objectives,
- To satisfy the sentiment of Muslim Brothers.
- To create fear among the Hindu chiefs in India. Showing that their ties were still strong in Central Asia.
Chahalgani or Chalisa
With the beginning of Turkish rule under the Slave Dynasty, the Iltutmish was clear of the fact that the infant Turkish Empire can not face internal troubles. So, in this situation, Iltutmish gave all the important positions to the Turkish Nobles. In which 40 top most important posts were given to the people of his clan called Ilbari. So, this was Turkan-e-Chahalgani or Chalisa.
Administrative System & Revival of Currency System
Iltutmish made a significant contribution in giving shape to the administrative institution such as Iqta System and Currency System.
To give promotion to trade and commerce, which has already started with the entry of Mahmud Ghazni in India. He introduced Tanka (Silver Coin) and Jittal (Copper Coin). One Tanka is equal to 48 Jittal.
In Iqta System, he granted land grants in the place of cash salaries to his officers. Recipients of Iqtas called the Iqtadars. They collected land revenue from their territories under them. They maintained an army contingent for the service of the state, enforced law and order, and met their own expenses.
Qutub Minar
Iltutmish laid down the foundation of Turkish rule in India. To give the message of this he completed the construction of Qutub Minar. It is famous for its Ribbs effect. He also built a magnificent Mosque at Ajmer.
End of the Reign of Iltutmish
During the Gwalior expedition, Iltutmish declared Razia (his daughter) as his successor. But novelty did not favor her. So, after the death of Iltutmish, Ruknuddin sat on the throne. He and his mother Shah Turkan started creating trouble for the people and noble.
So, this led to the beginning of revolts and as Ruknuddin went out to settle the revolts, Razia appeared in front of Jama Masjid for the support. So, she came to the throne with the help of people in 1236 CE.
In the upcoming post, we will read about the reign of Razia and Balban. And will complete the Slave Dynasty.
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