Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and a key figure in the Slave Dynasty, is widely regarded for solidifying and expanding the Sultanate’s foundation in medieval India. Born in Central Asia, he was initially sold into slavery but rose through the ranks due to his intelligence and military skill. When Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, his master and founder of the dynasty, died, Iltutmish secured the throne in 1211, navigating through resistance from rival nobles.
As Sultan, Iltutmish expanded the Sultanate’s territories significantly, conquering regions such as Bihar and Bengal. His military success was matched by his diplomatic skill, especially in dealing with external threats. When the Mongols, under Genghis Khan, invaded Central Asia, Iltutmish wisely refused to support the fleeing Khwarizm Shah, thus averting the Mongol threat to Delhi.
Iltutmish introduced key administrative and economic reforms, including the iqta system, where land grants were allocated to nobles to streamline governance and tax collection. Additionally, he developed a uniform currency by issuing the silver tanka, stabilizing trade and economy across his territories. Under his rule, the Sultanate saw infrastructural improvements with roads, bridges, and canals that facilitated trade. His dedication to architecture is evident in his completion of the Qutub Minar, which became a symbol of the Sultanate’s influence, and his own tomb in the Qutub Complex reflects the Indo-Islamic architectural style.
Another noteworthy achievement was his cultural and intellectual patronage. Iltutmish encouraged scholars and artists and maintained a court where people from different faiths coexisted, fostering a unique cultural blend. He also introduced the Chahalgani system, a group of forty elite nobles, though it later became a source of instability.
Iltutmish’s strategic governance, military campaigns, and reforms significantly strengthened the Delhi Sultanate, laying a strong foundation for its future expansion under his descendants.