Ghiyas-ud-din Balban – Accession to Delhi’s Throne and Challenges

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban as discussed by Harsh

During the reign of Nasir-ud-din Mahmud (c. 1246 – c. 1266 AD), Balban emerged as most powerful noble. He was appointed as Naib Sultan (deputy Sultan). Balban was a member of Turkan-i-Chihalgani. Ghiyas-ud-din Balban declared himself Sultan after the death of Nasir in c. 1266 AD. Balban was most striking personalities in Medieval Indian History.

He started his career as a slave water carrier. Later, he entered the high offices on the basis of his achievements. Very few examples of such remarkable success are found in entire human history. The two decades long reign of Sultan Balban enjoys a place of central significance in the history of Turko-Afghan rule in India. After ascending the throne, faced number of challenges which eventually suppressed by him successfully.

Also Read : Turkan-i-Chihalgani – Relations with Sultans of Delhi

Razia Sultan – The Only Woman Ruler of Medieval Delhi

Shams-ud-din Iltutmish – The Real Founder of Delhi Sultanate

Challenges Faced by Balban

When Balban sat on throne, sultanate was passing through the number of serious crises. A number of internal and external challenges were faced by Delhi sultanate which were threatening the existence of Turkish Indian empire. The prestige of crown was declined because of the weak successors of Iltutmish. Because the successors of Iltutmish were not worthy of crown as they were incapable.

Thus, the administration was moved in the hands of Ulemas and nobles who misused their powers and the fear of authority of Sultan was disappeared from the heart and minds of peoples. The institution of Turkan-i-Chihalgani was causing number of serious troubles as they were undisciplined, ambitious and disorderly peoples. Instead of serving the state with honesty and discipline, they assumed the role of king makers and supported number of weak contenders to the throne of Delhi sultanate.

By doing this, they starting playing more role in administration and politics. In other words, they assumed the powers of state. The law and order of Delhi had collapsed badly. Rule of law was nowhere visible during the rule of weak Sultans of Delhi. Robbers and murderers were active in everywhere in the sultanate. Mewat region was so infamous that even an officer could not dare to enter the region in the broad-day light.

These scenarios severely impacted the trade and commerce as the trade routes were no longer safe for the travel. Revolts and rebellions were going on in many parts of region. Bengal declared independence. And it continuously challenging the authority of Delhi because its governor Tughril Beg was a powerful person. The Mongol threat was looming over Delhi Sultanate because the frontier region of Lahore, Multan, and Samana were continuously over ran by Mongols.

Over and above these challenges, Sultan Balban was facing number of challenges for justifying his accession to throne because he did not have any legitimate claim over the crown of Delhi. The crown was captured by him, so, many nobles were very suspicious towards him.

Thus, Sultan Balban faced number of challenges after being the King of Delhi. To counter these challenges, he undertook number of step and propounded the new Theory of Kingship. Zia-ud-din Barani in his book Tarik-i-Firozshahi has explained dimensions and components of the theory of Kingship of Balban.