Iltutmish -Rise of a Slave Dynasty Ruler

Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Ghurid territory in Northern India, was the first Muslim sovereign to reign from Delhi and is widely regarded as a foundational figure of the Delhi Sultanate. He is credited with completing the construction of the Qutub Minar, a project initiated by his predecessor Qutubuddin Aibak. Hе was instrumеntal in thе еstablishmеnt of thе Slavе Dynasty, a Muslim sultanatе that markеd a significant shift in Dеlhi’s rulеrs.

Before his rise, Qutubuddin Aibak had experienced early life as an enslaved person under various masters in Ghazni and Bukhara. In 1190, Aibak acquired Iltutmish, who then emerged as a formidable warrior under Aibak’s leadership. Following Iltutmish’s death, his daughter Razia Sultan ascended to the throne, becoming the first female ruler of the Ghurid Dynasty.

Early Life

• Born in the early 13th century in Ilutamish, near Bukhara in present-day Uzbekistan, Iltutmish hailed from a Turkish slave family and was sold into slavery at a young age.
• He was brought to the court of Sultan Muhammad Ghori, a powerful ruler of the time, where he displayed potential and received training as a soldier and administrator.
• Later, under the patronage of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a prominent general and the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, Iltutmish rose through the ranks and married Aibak’s daughter. He was appointed as the governor of Badaun.
• After Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s death in 1210, he faced challenges to his claim to the throne and was imprisoned. He escaped and fled to Kalpi, where he rallied support and returned to Delhi in 1211, defeating opposing forces to establish himself as the Sultan of Delhi.
• He became the first Muslim sultan to establish Delhi as an imperial capital, solidifying his status as the genuine founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Throughout his reign, Iltutmish successfully defended Delhi from raids by Yeldoz and Qubacha, as well as Mongol invasions. He also subdued northern Rajput forces, strengthened his rule by issuing coinage in his name, beautified Delhi as a splendid capital, and established a hereditary dominion.

Family table of Iltutmish

Name	Relationship	Role/Notable Facts
Ilam Khan	Father	A noble from the Turkic tribe; Iltutmish was sold into slavery early in his life, possibly due to family politics.
Shah Turkan	Wife	A former slave and mother of Ruknuddin Firuz; held significant influence during her son’s brief reign.
Razia Sultana	Daughter	First female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate (1236-1240). Opposed by nobles but noted for her capable governance.
Ruknuddin Firuz	Son	Succeeded Iltutmish but was ineffective, leading to his removal within months.
Bahram Shah	Son	Ruled from 1240-1242 after Razia’s death but was assassinated due to his inability to govern effectively.
Nasiruddin Mahmud	Son (Eldest)	Governor of Bengal and Iltutmish’s chosen successor, but died in 1229, before he could inherit the throne.
Qutbuddin	Son	Mentioned in records but had no major political role.

Razia Sultan: Iltutmish’s Daughter

• Razia Sultana (c. 1205 – 15 October 1240) was the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
• In 1231, Iltutmish entrusted her with the administration of Delhi when he left for his Gwalior campaign.
• Razia performed her duties so effectively that upon Iltutmish’s return, he decided to name her as his successor.
• She ascended the throne in 1236 but was overthrown in 1240.
• During her imprisonment in Bathinda in 1240, Razia Sultana married Malik Ikhtiyar ud-Din Altunia.
• Both Razia Sultana and Malik Altunia were killed in October 1240.

Iltutmish’s Rеign

• Iltutmish, the son-in-law of Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, ruled over the Ghurid regions in northern India. After Aibak’s death, the weak ruler Aram Shah ascended the throne. The nobles then turned to him to become king and lead the empire.
• Iltutmish was a skilled ruler who conquered Bihar in 1210 and Bengal in 1225. Before becoming Sultan, he served as the governor of the Iqtas (administrative divisions) of Gwalior and Baran (Buland Shahr) in succession.
• He systematically restructured the administration, downgrading or removing disgruntled Ghurid officials. His new ruling class consisted of Turkish slave officers, led by the powerful Chalisa (Forty) military leaders, who controlled the iqtas.
• In February 1229, Iltutmish received an investiture letter from Baghdad’s Abbasid Caliph Al-Mustansir Billah. He was titled Sultan of Hindustan and Deputy of the Faithful Leader (Nasir Amir ul Momin).
• He introduced a gold and silver currency with Arabic inscriptions. The regular silver tanka weighed 175 grains.
• He persecuted Delhi’s Ismaili Shias but treated Hindus firmly without cruelty. Although he desecrated Hindu temples in Bhilsa and Ujjain, he did not resort to idolatry to appease fanatical co-religionists.
• Iltutmish encouraged Muslim communities to settle in Hindu habitats, exerting pressure on Hindus and discouraging rebellious sentiments against the sultanate.
• He initiated the ‘iqta’ system, assigning land instead of pay to Turkish officers. In honor of his son Nasiruddin Mahmud, he established Nasiriya College in Delhi, with Qazi Minhaz ud Din Siraj as its principal.

Founding of the Slavе Dynasty

The Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, was founded in Delhi by Qutb-ud-din Aibak after he established his authority following the collapse of the Ghurid Empire in India.

• Qutb-ud-din Aibak, originally a Turkic slave of Muhammad Ghori, rose to prominence as a commander and ultimately became the de facto ruler of Delhi after Ghori’s death in 1206.
• Iltutmish was a Turkish slave who served under Qutb-ud-din Aibak. He proved himself as a capable administrator and military leader during Aibak’s reign.
• After Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s accidental death in 1210, a power struggle ensued among his generals and nobles. Iltutmish emerged victorious and took control of the Sultanate.
• He strengthened the foundation of the Slave Dynasty by defeating rivals and consolidating his rule over Delhi and its surrounding territories.
• He introduced several administrative reforms, including the system of ‘iqta’ (land assignments to nobles), which helped stabilize the Sultanate and enhance revenue collection.
• In 1229, Iltutmish received formal recognition from the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad, which legitimized his authority as the Sultan of Delhi and boosted his prestige.
• He expanded the Sultanate’s territory by conquering regions such as Bihar and Bengal, further solidifying his rule and extending the influence of the Slave Dynasty.

Iltutmish and the Mongols

• The Mongols, originally shamanists and followers of a distinct form of Buddhism, had not yet embraced Islam as their religion and were the earliest inhabitants of Mongolia.
• In 1220 AD, under the leadership of Chengez Khan, the Mongols invaded India’s borders and razed the ‘Mahakal’ temple in Ujjain.
• During Iltutmish’s reign, India faced a significant threat from the Mongols, but he skillfully employed diplomacy to avert their potential destruction.
• After the defeat of Alauddin Muhammad, the Khwarizm Shah, by the Mongols, his eldest son Jalauddin Mankbarni sought refuge in Afghanistan, while Alauddin fled to the Caspian region. Jalauddin later arrived in the Indus Valley and sought Iltutmish’s aid against the Mongols.
• However, Iltutmish took a diplomatic stance by assassinating Mankbarni’s messenger and refusing to assist the Khwarizm prince, citing unsuitable climate conditions in India. This strategic decision helped him to avoid retaliation from Chengez Khan.

Territorial Expansion

Territorial Expansion:

• Under Iltutmish, the Delhi Sultanate expanded significantly, encompassing regions from Bengal in the east to the outskirts of Tibet and southward into the Gangetic plains.
• His forces captured Bihar in the 1210s and invaded Bengal in 1225, negotiating a peaceful resolution with local rulers to accept his suzerainty.

Invasion of Bengal and Bihar

• During Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s rule, the Sultanate of Delhi extended its authority over Bengal.
• Bengal asserted its independence following the death of Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
• However, Iltutmish, preoccupied with affairs in the western frontier, did not initially focus on Bengal.
• During this period, Bengal was ruled by Sultan Ghiyasuddin.
• Sultan Ghiyasuddin peacefully acknowledged Delhi’s suzerainty and agreed to pay tribute.
• Yet, Ghiyasuddin later rebelled and declared Bengal independent once again.
• Iltutmish responded by eliminating Sultan Ghiyasuddin and appointing Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah as Bengal’s ruler.
• Subsequently, Malik Balka Khalji led a revolt in Bengal soon after Nasiruddin’s departure.
• Bengal was finally integrated into the Delhi Empire in 1230 AD following the execution of Malik Balka Khalji by Iltutmish.

Eastern India and Rajasthan:

• After initial independence under Ghiyasuddin Iwaj Shah, eastern territories including Bihar came under Iltutmish’s control, with Malik Jani appointed as Bihar’s governor.
• In 1226, he successfully seized the supposedly impregnable Ranthambore Fort and the following year, captured Mandore in Rajasthan.
• In 1227, Iltutmish directed his son Nasiruddin Mahmud to invade Bengal, leading to the capture of Lakhnauti and subsequent control over the region.

Annexation of Qabacha’s Empire:

• By the late 1220s, Iltutmish turned his attention to the Indus River Valley, previously contested by various powers including the Mongols and Khwarazmians.
• Following conflicts with Qabacha, Iltutmish invaded and annexed territories including Tabarhinda, Kuhram, Sarsati, Lahore, Multan, and Uch.
• Qabacha’s resistance ended with his suicide in 1228, after which his territories came under his governance, extending the Delhi Sultanate’s influence to the Arabian Sea.

Also Read:-

Delhi Sultanate: Exploring History, Facts, Maps, and Rulers

Qutub Minar in Delhi | Timings, Height, Ticket Prices,

Tughlaq Dynasty: Medieval India History (1320-1414 AD)

Achiеvеmеnts of Iltutmish

Iltutmish was not only a successful conquеror but also a visionary rеformеr and buildеr. Hе introduced sеvеral forms and innovations in administration, govеrnancе, and architеcturе, which had a lasting impact on the history and culturе of India. Some of his notable achievements include:

Administration:

• Shamsuddin Iltutmish implemented a decentralized governance system, appointing governors to oversee different parts of his kingdom. These governors managed taxation, enforced laws, and safeguarded borders.
• He instituted the “Chahalgani” system, assigning forty soldiers to each district to maintain peace, assist local populations, and uphold stability.
• Introducing a tax system based on land ownership, Iltutmish used the revenue to enhance infrastructure and develop his kingdom.
• He promoted religious tolerance, fostering trade and supporting artists and scholars of various faiths, which enriched the cultural landscape of his realm.
• Known for his architectural endeavors, Iltutmish constructed iconic landmarks such as the Qutub Minar and numerous mosques, demonstrating his patronage of art and architecture.
• Upholding justice, he established a judicial system where judges adjudicated legal matters independently, ensuring fairness and equity.
• He maintained a disciplined military to defend the kingdom without allowing it to become excessively powerful.

Economy:

• Iltutmish encouraged trade by improving road networks and facilitating easier transportation for traders, fostering diversity in the economy with goods like textiles, spices, and luxury items.
• Recognizing the importance of agriculture, he supported farmers by constructing canals and wells for irrigation and promoting the cultivation of cash crops like cotton and indigo.
• He invested in infrastructure, building robust roads, bridges, and markets to stimulate commerce and facilitate faster movement of people and goods.
• Iltutmish introduced stable currency in the form of the silver tanka, which bolstered economic confidence and facilitated trade across his realm.
• Urban centers flourished under his rule, attracting artisans who created fine textiles, pottery, and jewelry, thereby generating employment and strengthening the economy.
• Taxation policies under this rule were equitable, funding the establishment of schools, hospitals, and roads, which improved living standards and contributed to societal well-being.

Culture:

• Iltutmish’s reign witnessed a flourishing of architectural marvels, including the majestic Qutub Minar, reflecting the Sultanate’s artistic and engineering prowess.
• Literature thrived with the creation of beautiful books containing stories and poems, including works by the talented Sufi poet Nasiruddin Mahmud and even contributions by Iltutmish himself.
• Artisans excelled in calligraphy and sculpture, adorning palaces and mosques with intricate artworks that captivated the admiration of the era.
• Music and dance flourished, attracting musicians and dancers to the Sultan’s court who performed melodious compositions and graceful movements, including spiritual Sufi music.
• Iltutmish’s policy of religious tolerance fostered a diverse cultural milieu where Hindus, Muslims, and others coexisted harmoniously, enriching the cultural tapestry of Delhi.
• The bustling trade hub of Delhi welcomed merchants from distant lands, contributing to the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and exchange of ideas.
• Education thrived with the establishment of madrasas where scholars imparted knowledge, nurturing intellectual pursuits and fostering an environment of learning and innovation.

Death

Iltutmish became ill while marching to Bamyan in 1236. On April 20, he arrived back in Delhi, where his astrologers were waiting for him. Regretfully, he died on April 30, 1236, and was buried in Mehrauli’s Qutub complex. Political unrest resulted from his passing in Delhi, as his four heirs all suffered terrible ends.

Before embarking on a campaign in Gwalior in 1231, He designated his daughter Razia Sultan as the head of the administrative department. After his return from the march in 1231, she assumed the title of official ruler. But he changed his mind on his deathbed and chose to name his eldest son emperor.

Following the death of Iltutmish, Ruknuddin Firuz, the eldest son, was unanimously proclaimed the new king. Ruknuddin’s mother took over state affairs during his reign, causing turmoil throughout the kingdom.

Conclusion

Sultan Iltutmish of the Slave Dynasty left an indelible mark on India, establishing a centralized Turkish rule that consolidated power in his hands, distinguishing his reign from the military dictatorship of his predecessor Aibek. His military prowess extended beyond internal consolidation to the defeat of external rivals in Multan and Ghazni. Recognized as the emperor of India by the Caliph of Baghdad, Iltutmish’s reign marked a significant chapter in the history of the Delhi Sultanate, solidifying Turkish authority and laying the foundation for a prosperous era of governance and cultural flourishing in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ’s )