DELHI SULTANATE–FOUNDATION AND CONSOLIDATION

DELHI SULTANATE–FOUNDATION AND CONSOLIDATION 

(SLAVE DYNASTY)

(1206 A.D.-1236 A.D.) QUTBUDDIN AIBAK AND ILTUTMISH
(1236 A.D.-1287 A.D.) RAZIYA SULTANA AND SULTAN BALBAN

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INTRODUCTION:

One of the significant events in the history of India was the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate at the turn of the thirteenth century. The invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori not only resulted in the plunder of rich cities and destruction and desecration of temples but also to the introduction of a new political factor in India. The campaigns of Muhammad Ghori paved the way for the rule of the Turks and the Afghans. While Mahmud of Ghazni targeted the North Indian temple cities for wealth and iconoclastic fervour, Muhammad Ghori nurtured political ambition in addition to these motives. He desired to make northern India part of his Ghorian Empire. Thus, following his successful campaigns, Muhammad Ghori nominated his trusted and prominent slave, Qutbuddin Aibak as his representative to govern the newly conquered regions in India.

Delhi became the center of the Turkish and Afghan power. By its strategic position Delhi seemed to be the ideal seat of power. From Delhi access to the Gangetic plains as well as to the central and western regions was possible. Besides, Delhi was the convenient location on the route from Afghanistan. The Turkish power was not only concentrated at Delhi but radiated in different directions from there. The Turkish rule from Delhi came to be known as the Delhi Sultanate. The phrase ‘Delhi Sultanate’ is applied to the history of Northern India extending from 1206 to 1526. However, it is important to note that ‘Delhi Sultanate’ does not mean that a particular dynasty ruled throughout this period. It is a general phrase ascribed to the rule of five successive dynasties. These dynasties were (1) The Slave Dynasty (1206-1290), (2) The Khilji Dynasty (1920-1320), (3) The Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414), (4) The Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451) and (5) The Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526).

Iltutmish died in 1236 A.D. after expressing his conviction that among his children his daughter, Raziya alone was fit to succeed him. He was conscious of the problems caused by an indefinite law of succession. In order to avoid a civil war among his children and to save the infant Delhi Sultanate from disintegration, he wanted to nominate his successor and train him in affairs of government during his own lifetime. Initially he chose his eldest son Nasiruddin Mahmud and appointed him as the governor of Lahore and subsequently of Awadh and later of Bengal. However, the premature death of Nasiruddin jeopardized Iltutmish’s plans. Click Here To Read More