In the previous post, we have read about the establishment of Delhi Sultanate by the Slave Dynasty. We have read about the two important rulers of the Slave Dynasty, Qutubuddin Aibak, and Iltutmish. Now, we will continue with it and will read about the later Sultans of the Slave Dynasty.
Iltutmish wanted her daughter to be the next Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. So, before dying he declared Razia as his successor. Though initially it was not favored by the Nobles. But after realizing that she was the most deserving candidate to adorn throne. So, she became the Sultan of Delhi Sultanate in 1236 CE.
Slave Dynasty: Razia Sultan
After coming to the throne she was successful in maintaining law and order. Razia gave emphasis on Justice. Her greatest achievement was the conquest of Ranthambore which was tension for her rivals in Delhi. Her achievements started increasing her status and in this situation, she started replacing members of Chahalgani or Chalisa by her own supporters.
Example:
Yakut Khan became Amir-i-Akhur (Head of Stables).
These acts of Razia irritated Chalisa and they started the conspiracy against Razia. The easiest step to deteriorate the image of any person was/is/will Character Assassination. So, the members of Chalisa adopted the same method for Razia. After her Character Assassination, many revolts took place in different parts of the Sultanate. Under it, the important revolt took place in Bathinda (Punjab). The leader was Mirza Altunia.
Bathinda Revolt
Though she moved Bathinda to suppress the revolt. But in Bathinda Razia was captured and imprisoned by Altunia. She made the last attempt by marrying Altunia. But before she could reach Delhi, both of them were killed at a place called Kaithal (Haryana) in 1240.
From here started the Era of Chalisa in Delhi Sultanate. During the Era of Chalisa, Delhi Sultanate was in trouble from all sides.
- Mongols were active in Central Asia and they had their eye on India.
- Hindu Chiefs started raising the banner of revolt.
- Due to incompetent rulers, the state machinery collapsed.
So, all these created the quest mark on the existence of Turks in India preparing the ground for the emergence of the famous Sultan of Sultanate ie Ghiyasuddin Balban.
Reign of Ghiyasuddin Balban
When Balban came on the throne, Turkish Noble were hostile with him. The condition of the Delhi Sultanate was critical. To strengthen the Delhi Sultanate his first objective was to empower the Sultan. But as the Empire and economy were infants at that time so he was not able to do this.
So, in this situation, Baldan ruled in an autocratic manner. He gave emphasis on the theory of kingship. So, he took the title of Zill-e-Ilahi. Balban broke the power of Chahalgani or Chalisa and organized a strong centralized army. He reorganized the military department. The military department was Diwan-i-Arz.
In 1279, the governor of Bengal, Tughril Beg revolted. Tughril Beg assumed the title of Sultan. So, Balban sent his forces to Bengal and killed Tughril Beg. Subsequently, he appointed his son Bughra Khan as the governor of Bengal.
Balban v/s Mongols
Balban’s reign was threatened by the Mongol invasion. So, special officers were appointed at the north-western border known as “Warden of Marches”. He also maintained a chain of forts manned by soldiers and these wardens. He established three military frontiers:
- At River Beas.
- Punjab.
- Delhi.
Halaku Khan, Mongol King was the most hated person in the Islamic world. Because he had assassinated Caliph of Baghdad. Balban maintained diplomatic ties even with Mongols despite the religious and emotional reasons. He never interfered in the areas of Punjab, which was under the control of Mongols.
Theory of Kingship
According to Balban, Sultan was God’s shadow on earth and recipient of divine grace. He started rigorous court discipline and the new customs of Sajda and Paibos. He also started the celebration of the Persian festival Nauroz to impress the nobles and people with his wealth and power.
Balban died in 1287, after his death his grandson Kaiquabad presided throne. But, the successor of Balban failed to handle the situation. So, the existence of Turks was once again in trouble internally and externally. This led to the emergence of the new Dynasty ie Khalji Dynasty.
We will read about the Khalji Dynasty in the upcoming post. Till then keep learning.
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