The Delhi Sultanate

The period between 1206 and 1526 CE in Indian history is known as the period of Delhi Sultanate. The rulers of various dynasties who ruled during this period were called 'Sultans'. Since these rulers ruled from their capital at Delhi, this period is called Delhi Sultanate.

The earliest rulers of Delhi were called Mamluk Sultans. The word Mamluk is an Arabic word that means 'owned'. Since these Sultans were earlier either the slaves of the Turks or were the sons of the slaves, they were called Mamluk Sultans.

Iltutmish used diplomacy to save his kingdom from the threat of Mongol invasion. In 1221, Mongol leader changez khan conquered many parts of Central Asia. Chasing the ruler of Khawarizm, the Mongols came right upto the bank of the Indus river and threatened Iltutmish's empire. The ruler of Khawarizm requested Iltutmish to provide him shelter. But sensing the danger of Mongol attack on his empire, he diplomatically refused him shelter. This pleased Changez Khan, who went back without attacking Iltutmish's empire.

'Chalisa' or 'Corps of Forty Slaves' was a group of powerful Turkish nobles who were given all high offices. The Chalisa was organised by Iltutmish.

Iltutmish did not consider any of his sons worthy of becoming a Sultan. That is why, he nominated his daughter, Razia as his successor as she was an able and brave ruler.

Balban took various measures to combat the continuous raids of the Mongols. He ordered reconstruction of old forts and construction of new forts along the northwest frontier. He kept a strong standing army and appointed his two sons, Muhammad and Bughra Khan as governors of the frontier provinces. They inflicted a crushing defeat on the mongols when they invaded Punjab and thus, saved the country from Mongol menace.

To enhance the prestige of the king, Balban advocated the divine origin of kingship and called the king as representative of God on Earth. He introduced the practice of Sijda and Paibos in the court. Sijda means the practice of kneeling and touching the ground with one's forehead and 'Paibos' is the practice of kissing the king's feet.

After the death of Balban in 1286, his successors were weak and inefficient. Therefore, after four years of his death, the Slave dynasty came to an end and was replaced by the Khalji dynasty.

(a) Qutbud-din Aibak

(b) Iltutmish

(a) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

(b) Adhai-din-ka Jhopra (Ajmer)

(a) Ranthambhore

(b) Gwalior

(a) Sijda

(b) Paibas