Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty

The Mamluk or Slave Dynasty laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate. The term ‘Mamluk’ means ‘owned’ or ‘possessed’, as many rulers of this dynasty were slaves who rose to power due to their military skill, intelligence, and loyalty. Though slaves, they were treated with respect and often became generals or governors. This dynasty ruled India for nearly 84 years and witnessed a strong start under Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish but declined with weak successors before the Khilji takeover.

Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206–1210)

• A trusted slave and commander of Muhammad Ghori, he was appointed as the governor of Ghori’s Indian territories.
• After Ghori’s assassination in 1206, Aibak declared independence and founded the Slave Dynasty with Lahore as its capital.
• Established his military headquarters at Indraprastha (near Delhi) and consolidated power over north India.
• Known as “Lakh Baksh” (giver of lakhs) for his immense charity and patronage of scholars such as Hasan Nizami, the author of Taj-ul-Maasir.
• Initiated the construction of Qutb Minar, named after Sufi saint Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki; later completed by Iltutmish.
• Patronized art and architecture, laying the foundation for Indo-Islamic styles.
• Died unexpectedly in 1210 while playing chaugan (horse polo).
• Succeeded by his son Aram Baksh, who lacked competence and was removed by Iltutmish within eight months.

Iltutmish (1211–1236)

• Son-in-law and one-time slave of Aibak, belonging to the Ilbari Turkic tribe.
• Defeated Aram Baksh and became Sultan in 1211.
• Shifted the capital from Lahore to Delhi, transforming it into the political hub of northern India.
• Defended India against external threats – notably the Mongols under Genghis Khan in 1221. He refused asylum to Jalaluddin Mangbarni, ruler of Khwarazm, to avoid Mongol wrath. This diplomatic move saved India from Mongol invasions during his time.
• Suppressed internal rebellions, defeated rival Rajput rulers, and strengthened the empire.
• Formed the elite group of nobles known as “Chahalgani” (group of forty) to assist in administration.
• Received the Mansur (letter of investiture) from the Abbasid Caliph in 1229, which legitimized his rule in the Islamic world.
• Completed Qutb Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.
• Introduced the silver tanka and copper jital, standardizing the Sultanate’s currency system.
• Introduced the Iqta system, a land revenue assignment to military officers in lieu of salary.
• Promoted education, architecture, and civic facilities in Delhi.
• On his death in 1236, he bypassed his sons and nominated his daughter Razia as successor due to her superior capability.

Razia Sultana (1236–1240)

• First and only woman ruler of Delhi, demonstrating exceptional administrative and military skills.
• Initially, the nobles opposed a female Sultan. Power briefly went to her half-brother Rukn-ud-din Firuz, but his misrule led to his assassination within 6 months, and Razia was accepted as Sultan.
• Known for breaking gender norms by appearing unveiled in court and donning royal attire like male rulers.
• Promoted meritocracy and appointed non-Turkish officials such as Jamaluddin Yaqut (an Abyssinian), which angered Turkish nobles.
• Married Malik Altunia, the governor of Bathinda, but faced rebellion from the Chahalgani (group of forty nobles).
• Defeated, captured, and later killed (1240 A.D.) near Kaithal by her brother’s supporters.
• Her death marked the return of power struggles between nobles and the Sultan.

After Razia: Power Struggle (1240–1246)

• Following Razia’s death, her brothers Muizuddin Bahram Shah and Alauddin Masud ruled Delhi.
• Their rule was characterized by the domination of the Chahalgani nobles, who became extremely powerful and weakened the central authority.
• Internal conflicts among nobles paved the way for Ghiyasuddin Balban, a strong leader, to rise as the regent.

Ghiyasuddin Balban (1246–1287)

• Originally named Bahauddin, Balban was a Turkish slave purchased by Iltutmish and rose through ranks due to his skill and loyalty.
• Initially served as Naib (Prime Minister) under Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud, the grandson of Iltutmish, before becoming Sultan in 1266.
• Theory of Kingship: Declared the Sultan as “Shadow of God (Zil-i-Ilahi)”, asserting divine authority. He introduced court protocols like prostration (sijda) and kissing the Sultan’s feet (paibos).
• Introduced the Persian festival Nauroz to display royal grandeur.
• Suppressed the power of the Chahalgani, punishing or eliminating rebellious nobles to restore central authority.
• Appointed spies (barids) throughout the empire to keep track of administrative activities.
• Reorganized the army through the Diwan-i-Arz, ensuring loyalty and efficiency.
• Crushed Mewati plunderers who were threatening Delhi, thus ensuring safe roads and trade routes.
• Advocated strict law and order and punished even high-ranking officials for corruption or misconduct.
• Did not undertake major territorial expansion but focused on stability and consolidation.
• Successfully defended India against Mongol incursions in the northwest but could not completely eliminate the threat.
• Died in 1287, leaving his grandson Kaiqubad as Sultan.

Decline and End of the Dynasty (1287–1290)

• After Balban’s death, his weak successor Kaiqubad failed to maintain the empire’s integrity.
• Incompetent leadership, internal strife, and increasing Mongol threats weakened the Slave Dynasty.
• In 1290, Jalaluddin Khilji, the commander of the army, overthrew Kaiqubad and established the Khilji Dynasty, ending the Slave rule.

Significance of Slave Dynasty

• Laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate and centralized administration.
• Introduced the Iqta system, standardized coinage, and Indo-Islamic architecture.
• Qutb Minar, Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, and Balban’s strict administration showcased their legacy.
• Pioneered military and administrative reforms, paving the way for subsequent dynasties.

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Subject: Medieval History

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