Rule of Iltutmish as discussed by Harsh
The establishment of Turkish rule in India during the last decade of 12th century AD, marked the beginning of new phase in Indian history because for many centuries hereafter India was ruled by Turko-Afghan rulers. It was Muhammad Ghori who established Turkish rule in India in c. 1192 AD after the defeating Prithviraj Chauhan. He left India while appointing his slaves as administrators of different regions. Mamluk was the term used for slaves.
It was Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, the slave (mamluk) of Muhammad Ghori, who established Delhi Sultan as a separate dynasty in c. 1206 AD. It came to known as Slave Dynasty because established by Qutub-ud-din who was a slave of Muhammad Ghori. But Aibak ruled only for four years and during these years he was busy in wars and battles. So, he didn’t find time to consolidated the empire and died in c. 1210 AD.
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Threats Emerged After the Death of Aibak
Qutub-ud-din-Aibak’s death gave rise to number of internal and external threats to sultanate. Whole of the Rajputana had declared independence from Delhi. Nasir-ud-din Qubacha of Sindh and Taj-ud-din Yalduz of Ghazni, both were also slaves of Muhammad Ghori, were claiming right over Delhi. Since, Aibak didn’t consolidate the empire and hence, there was no proper administration, military and economic system during c. 1210 AD. At the same time, the challenge of Mongols was raised.
Aibak was initially succeeded by his son, Aram Shah, but he died in c. 1211 AD. During this time of crisis, Shama-ud-din Iltutmish, who was the slave and son-in-law of Aibak, succeeded the throne of Delhi Sultanate in c. 1211 AD. After succeeding the throne, he tackled all these threats successfully. That’s why he was considered as the real founder of Delhi Sultanate.
Steps Taken by Iltutmish
Iltutmish successfully conquered the Rajput states who declared their independence from Delhi. He reconquered Kannauj, Katihar and Banaras as well. He undertook number of reforms and initiatives which changed the nature of state to an organized state. Iqta system was regonised by him for the first time. He was first who clearly defined the role and duties of Iqtadars.
The institution of Sar-i-Jandar was created by him for the safety of sultan as it was an institution of royal bodyguards. Hashan-i-Qulb was established by him which was central standing army, directly under the command of sultan which comprised nearly 5k cavalry men. For economic development, Sultan Iltutmish issued pure Arabic coins known as Tanka (silver coins) and Jital (copper coins).
He transferred capital from Lahore to Delhi and gave the name of Delhi Sultanate to Turkish empire. By using diplomatic skill, he protected sultanate from Mongol attack by refusing shelter to Prince Jalah-ud-din Mangbarni of Khwarazm who was chasing down by Genghis Khan. After witnessing the neutrality of Iltutmish, Genghis Khan impressed with him and decided to go back and not to attack Delhi.
A number of scholars were patronized by him, Minhaj-ud-din Siraj and Tabatqat-i-Nasiri were the most prominent. A number of monuments were constructed by Iltutmish. Jama Masjid at Badaun and Antakaran-ka-Darwaja are typically examples. He also completed the construction of Qutub Minar which was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in memory of Qutub-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki, a Sufi saint. He was also the first sultan of Delhi who received investiture from Caliph and inscribed the name of Caliph on coins.
These initiatives and reforms of Iltutmish transformed the state into a well-organised state and made Delhi sultanate a powerful entity so it didn’t face no serious challenge for number of coming years. Thus, Iltutmish is considered as the rightful founder of the Delhi sultanate.
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