Foundation of Delhi Sultanate 1206 notes for OPSC OAS and UPSC cover the establishment of Turkish rule in India under Qutbuddin Aibak, the consolidation under Iltutmish, the brief reign of Razia Sultan, and the restoration of royal authority by Balban. This page explains the political background, the Iqta system, the Turkan-i-Chahalgani, Balban's theory of kingship, the Mongol threat, and the architecture and literature of the Slave Dynasty.
Foundation of the Delhi Sultanate (1206): Political Background
The Delhi Sultanate was founded in 1206 CE after the death of Muhammad Ghori. Ghori, who had conquered large parts of North India after the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE), left his Indian territories under the charge of his trusted slave and general Qutbuddin Aibak. When Ghori died in 1206 near Jhelum, Aibak proclaimed himself sovereign of Hindustan and established the first Muslim dynasty to rule exclusively from India — the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty.SSC 2014
Mamluk literally means 'owned' — a slave. The Mamluk or Slave Dynasty (1206–1290 CE) comprised rulers who were of slave origin, beginning with Qutbuddin Aibak, himself a Turkish slave of Muhammad Ghori.
Qutbuddin Aibak (1206–1210): The First Sultan of Delhi
Qutbuddin Aibak was a Turkish slave of Muhammad Ghori who rose to become the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. He ruled from 1206 to 1210 CE and is regarded as the first Sultan of Delhi.BPSC 2011, RRB 2006
Early Life and Rise
Aibak was purchased as a slave by Muhammad Ghori and gradually rose through the ranks due to his loyalty and military skill. Ghori appointed him as his viceroy in India, and after Ghori's death in 1206, Aibak declared independence and founded the Slave Dynasty.
Titles and Achievements
- Lakh Baksh: Aibak was known as Lakh Baksh (giver of lakhs) because of his legendary generosity and charitable donations.JPSC 2003
- Kuran Khan: He was also called Kuran Khan for his liberal distribution of grain during a famine.
- Qutub Minar: He laid the foundation of the Qutub Minar in Delhi in 1199 CE, which was later completed by Iltutmish.WBCS 2018
- Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: He built the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans, in 1198 CE.WBCS 2018
- Capital: His capital was at Lahore, not Delhi. Delhi became the capital under Iltutmish.BPSC 1996
Death and Succession
Qutbuddin Aibak died in 1210 CE after a fall from his horse while playing Chaugan (Polo) at Lahore. He was succeeded by his son Aram Shah, who ruled briefly before being replaced by Iltutmish in 1211 CE.IAS (Pre) 2003
- Qutbuddin Aibak ruled from Lahore, not Delhi. Delhi became the capital under Iltutmish.
- Aibak is the first Sultan of Delhi, but Iltutmish is considered the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
- Aibak started the Qutub Minar; Iltutmish completed it; Firuz Shah Tughlaq added the fifth storey.
IMAGE (Timeline): Timeline of the Slave Dynasty from 1206 to 1290 CE showing key rulers and events.
Labels: 1206 (Aibak founds dynasty), 1210 (Aibak dies), 1211 (Iltutmish becomes Sultan), 1236 (Razia becomes Sultan), 1240 (Razia killed), 1266 (Balban becomes Sultan), 1287 (Balban dies), 1290 (Khilji dynasty begins).
Caption: Timeline of the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty of Delhi.
Find it: Draw a horizontal timeline with these milestones; use NCERT Class 11 Ancient India or a standard UPSC history atlas for reference.
Iltutmish (1211–1236): The Real Founder of the Delhi Sultanate
Shamsuddin Iltutmish is regarded as the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate. He consolidated Turkish rule, shifted the capital to Delhi, and gave the Sultanate a stable administrative structure.SSC 2014
Consolidation of Power
Iltutmish defeated Aram Shah in 1211 CE and became the Sultan. He faced challenges from rival Turkish nobles like Tajuddin Yaldauz and Nasiruddin Kubacha, both of whom he defeated. He also suppressed revolts in Bengal and Bihar.
Administrative and Military Reforms
- He shifted the capital from Lahore to Delhi.UPPSC 2016
- He organised the army of the Sultanate as the king's army.
- He created the Turkan-i-Chahalgani (Group of Forty), an elite corps of Turkish nobles.UPPSC 2009
- He was the first Sultan to receive recognition from the Abbasid Caliph of Baghdad, which legitimised his rule.UPPSC 2016
- He inscribed the name of the Caliph on his coins for the first time in India.UPPSC 2012
Coinage System
Iltutmish introduced the silver Tanka (weighing approximately 175 grains) and the copper Jital. These became the standard coins of the Sultanate.SSC 2015 He is credited with having introduced a purely Arabic currency of gold and silver.
The Iqta System
The Iqta system was a revenue assignment system in which land was assigned to officers (Iqtadars or Muqtis) in lieu of salary. The Iqtadar collected revenue from his Iqta, maintained troops, and remitted the surplus to the state. Iltutmish organised this system systematically.UPPSC 2010
An Iqta was a revenue assignment (land grant) given to a noble or officer in lieu of cash salary. The holder, called Muqti or Iqtadar, was responsible for collecting revenue and maintaining troops for the Sultan.
Turkan-i-Chahalgani (Group of Forty)
Iltutmish created the Turkan-i-Chahalgani, an elite group of forty Turkish nobles. This group became very powerful and acted as kingmakers after Iltutmish's death. Balban later destroyed their power.UPPSC 2009
Mongol Threat and Diplomacy
Chenghiz Khan (Genghis Khan) reached the banks of the Indus in 1221 CE while pursuing Jalaluddin Mingburnu, the Khwarazmian prince. Iltutmish wisely refused to give shelter to Mingburnu, avoiding a Mongol invasion of India.CGPSC 2013
Iltutmish's major achievements: shifted capital to Delhi, introduced Tanka and Jital, organised the Iqta system, created the Chahalgani, and received recognition from the Abbasid Caliph.
Razia Sultan (1236–1240): The First Woman Ruler of India
Razia Sultan, the daughter of Iltutmish, became the first woman ruler of India when she ascended the throne of Delhi in 1236 CE. Iltutmish had nominated her as his successor, recognising her abilities over her brothers.SSC 2017, UPPSC 2010
- Razia was the daughter of Iltutmish.SSC 2011
- She was the first and only woman Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate.
- She was opposed by the Turkish nobles (Chahalgani), who resented a woman ruling over them.
- She was defeated and killed in 1240 CE after a brief reign of about three years.UP Lower 2004
Balban (1266–1287): Theory of Kingship and Restoration of Royal Authority
Ghiyasuddin Balban was the most powerful ruler of the Slave Dynasty after Iltutmish. He ruled from 1266 to 1287 CE and restored the prestige of the Sultanate after a period of weak rulers.CGPSC 2004
Destruction of the Chahalgani
Balban systematically destroyed the power of the Turkan-i-Chahalgani (Group of Forty), which had become a threat to royal authority. He dismissed, exiled, or executed the powerful nobles, including publicly flogging Malik Baqbaq for illegally seizing a villager's land.WBCS 2018, CDS 2020
Theory of Kingship
Balban propounded the theory of kingship, claiming that the king was the Naib-i-Khudai (Deputy of God) and Zil-i-Ilahi (Shadow of God on Earth). He insisted that the king must be treated with utmost reverence and that royal authority must never be challenged.IAS (Pre) 1997
Court Etiquette: Sijdah and Paiboos
Balban introduced the Persian court etiquette of Sijdah (prostration before the Sultan) and Paiboos (kissing the feet). These practices emphasised the semi-divine status of the king and created a distance between the Sultan and his nobles. He also banned private banquets and assemblies among nobles and used an extensive spy network to monitor their activities.SSC 2006
Military Reforms
Balban created the Diwan-i-Arz (military department) to maintain an efficient army. He also introduced strict discipline in the army and personally supervised military affairs. He received the title Syed-us-Salatin (Chief of Sultans) from the Caliph.
- Balban destroyed the Chahalgani; Iltutmish created it.
- Balban's title = Zil-i-Ilahi and Naib-i-Khudai; he was also called Syed-us-Salatin.
- Balban did not introduce horse branding; that was Alauddin Khilji (Dagh and Chehra).
Administration of the Delhi Sultanate under the Slave Dynasty
Central Administration
The Sultan was the head of the state and was assisted by several departments:
| Department | Function |
|---|---|
| Diwan-i-Wizarat | Finance department, headed by the Wazir |
| Diwan-i-Arz | Military department, headed by the Ariz-i-Mumalik |
| Diwan-i-Insha | Department of correspondence |
| Diwan-i-Risalat | Department of religious affairs and foreign relations |
Provincial Administration: Iqta System
The empire was divided into Iqtas (provinces), each under an Iqtadar (Muqti). The Iqtadar collected revenue, maintained troops, and was responsible for law and order in his Iqta. The revenue surplus was sent to the central treasury.
Military Department: Diwan-i-Arz
The Diwan-i-Arz was the military department, established by Balban. It maintained records of soldiers, supervised recruitment, and ensured the efficiency of the army.UPPSC 1997
Architecture of the Slave Dynasty
Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
The Qutub Minar was started by Qutbuddin Aibak in 1199 CE and completed by Iltutmish. It is 72.5 metres tall and has five storeys. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, built by Aibak in 1198 CE, is the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It was constructed using materials from demolished Hindu and Jain temples.WBCS 2018
Tombs and Other Structures
The tomb of Balban is the first tomb constructed in the Indo-Islamic style in India, featuring a true arch and dome.UPPSC 2004 Alai Darwaza, built by Alauddin Khilji, is an extension of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and is known for its exquisite marble and red sandstone work.
IMAGE (Photo): Photograph of the Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque complex.
Labels: Qutub Minar (five storeys), Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Alai Darwaza, Iron Pillar, and the surrounding ruins.
Caption: The Qutub Minar complex: the earliest example of Indo-Islamic architecture in India.
Find it: Search 'Qutub Minar complex photograph' on Wikimedia Commons or use NCERT Class 7 History textbook images.
Historians and Literature of the Sultanate Period
Minhaj-us-Siraj
Minhaj-us-Siraj authored the Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, a comprehensive history of the Islamic world up to his time. It is a key source for the history of the Slave Dynasty and provides the earliest description of Bakhtiyar Khalji's invasion of Bihar.BPSC 2018
Ziauddin Barani
Ziauddin Barani wrote the Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, covering the period from Balban to Firuz Shah Tughlaq. He was a contemporary of Muhammad bin Tughluq and is known for his candid observations on the Sultans and their policies.IAS (Pre) 2010
Amir Khusrau
Amir Khusrau (1253–1325 CE), known as the 'Parrot of India', was the court poet of Alauddin Khilji and later rulers. He wrote in Persian and introduced the Sabaq-i-Hind style of poetry. He is also credited with pioneering the Qawwali style of music and was a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya.UPPSC 2003, UPPSC 2008
Mongol Invasions and the Delhi Sultanate
The Mongol threat to India appeared in 1221 CE when Chenghiz Khan reached the banks of the Indus. However, he did not cross the Indus to invade India. The Mongols launched several invasions from 1221 to 1327 CE. The maximum number of Mongol attacks occurred during the reign of Alauddin Khilji, who successfully defended India against them.CDS 2020
- Chenghiz Khan did not cross the Indus to attack India.CDS 2020
- In 1306 CE, the Indus served as the boundary between Mongol and Delhi Sultanate territories.UPPSC 2014
- Mongol commanders who invaded India include Tair Bahadur, Abdullah, and Qutlugh Khwaja.
Odisha Angle: Kalinga and the Delhi Sultanate
Odisha (ancient Kalinga) remained largely independent during the early Delhi Sultanate period. The Eastern Ganga dynasty ruled Kalinga and successfully resisted Turkish expansion. Narasingha Deva I (1238–1264 CE), the builder of the Sun Temple at Konark, took the offensive against Turko-Afghan invaders and defended his kingdom against attacks from Bengal.OPSC
- The first Muslim invasion of Odisha occurred during the reign of Raja Raja III (1198–1211 CE) when Bakhtiyar Khalji's generals invaded Jajnagar.
- Odisha was finally conquered by the Afghans in 1568 CE under Sulaiman Khan Karrani.
- Khalkatapatna in Odisha yielded glazed pottery from Arabia, confirming maritime trade links between Kalinga and the Arab world.
Narasingha Deva I's military campaigns against the Turko-Afghan rulers of Bengal are recorded in the Nagari plates and other inscriptions, showing Odisha's resistance to Islamic expansion during the Sultanate period.
IMAGE (Map): Map of India showing the Delhi Sultanate under the Slave Dynasty and the independent kingdoms of Odisha (Eastern Gangas) and other regions.
Labels: Delhi Sultanate (1206–1290), Eastern Ganga kingdom (Odisha), Bengal, Rajput kingdoms, and the Mongol territories to the north-west.
Caption: India in the 13th century: the Delhi Sultanate and independent kingdoms.
Find it: Search 'Delhi Sultanate map 13th century' on Wikimedia Commons or use a standard historical atlas of India.
Practice Questions on the Foundation of the Delhi Sultanate for OPSC OAS
When did the rule of the Delhi Sultanate begin in India?
- 1106 CE
- 1206 CE
- 1306 CE
- 1406 CE
Show answer
(b) — The Delhi Sultanate began in 1206 CE with Qutbuddin Aibak. SSC 2014
Who was the founder of the Slave dynasty?
- Iltutmish
- Qutbuddin Aibak
- Razia
- Balban
Show answer
(b) — Qutbuddin Aibak founded the Slave Dynasty in 1206 CE. BPSC 2011, RRB 2006
Which city was chosen by Iltutmish as the capital of the Delhi Sultanate?
- Lahore
- Delhi
- Dipalpur
- Multan
Show answer
(b) — Iltutmish shifted the capital from Lahore to Delhi. UPPSC 2016
Who completed the Qutub Minar?
- Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
- Nasiruddin
- Iltutmish
- Qutbuddin Aibak
Show answer
(c) — Iltutmish completed the Qutub Minar started by Aibak. WBCS 2018
Who among the following was the first woman ruler of India?
- Razia Sultan
- Chand Bibi
- Durgawati
- Nur Jahan
Show answer
(a) — Razia Sultan (1236–1240 CE) was the first woman ruler of India. SSC 2017, UPPSC 2010
Who broke the power of the Chahalgani nobles?
- Ghiyasuddin Balban
- Iltutmish
- Alauddin Khilji
- Muhammad bin Tughluq
Show answer
(a) — Balban destroyed the power of the Turkan-i-Chahalgani. WBCS 2018
Who was the first Muslim ruler to formulate the theory of kingship similar to the theory of divine right of kings?
- Aibak
- Iltutmish
- Balban
- Alauddin
Show answer
(c) — Balban propounded the theory of kingship, calling himself Zil-i-Ilahi (Shadow of God).
Consider the following statements about the Iqta system:
- It was a revenue assignment given to officers in lieu of salary.
- The Iqtadar was responsible for maintaining troops.
- Iltutmish organised the Iqta system systematically.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Show answer
(c) — All three statements about the Iqta system are correct. UPPSC 2010
Who among the following Sultans received the title of Syed-us-Salatin from the Caliph?
- Iltutmish
- Balban
- Alauddin Khilji
- Firuz Shah Tughluq
Show answer
(b) — Balban received the title Syed-us-Salatin from the Caliph.
Which Sultan had forbidden the nobles to hold banquets and festivities, and make marriage alliances without his permission?
- Iltutmish
- Alauddin Khilji
- Balban
- Firuz Shah Tughlaq
Show answer
(b) — Alauddin Khilji imposed strict regulations on nobles, forbidding banquets and marriage alliances without royal permission. SSC 2013