The Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, was the first ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, lasting from 1206 to 1290. It began with Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, a slave-turned-commander under Muhammad of Ghor, who established the Sultanate after Muhammad’s death. Aibak, known for his philanthropy and his nickname Lakh Baksh (giver of lakhs), ruled from Lahore and initiated construction projects like the Qutub Minar. However, his reign was cut short by his sudden death in 1210 from a polo accident.
Aibak’s successor, Iltutmish, was more instrumental in consolidating and expanding the Sultanate. As Aibak’s son-in-law, Iltutmish initially faced resistance but eventually stabilized his rule, gaining recognition from the Caliph of Baghdad as the Sultan of India. He is remembered for administrative reforms, standardizing the silver tanka as the currency, and founding the Chahalgani (Council of Forty), a group of high-ranking noblemen. Under Iltutmish, the empire’s borders were extended to include Lahore, Multan, and Bengal, though he faced Mongol threats from the northwest.
The dynasty is also famous for Razia Sultan, the first and only woman to rule as Sultan in the Indian subcontinent. Known for her intelligence and military skills, she assumed the throne after Iltutmish’s death despite resistance from nobles. Her rule, however, was marked by challenges from conservative factions and ended tragically after she was overthrown and killed.
Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, another key figure, ruled with a policy of “blood and iron,” enforcing strict law and order. He aimed to end the influence of the Chahalgani nobles and promoted the Sultan’s authority by introducing practices like sijda (prostration) and paibos (kissing the feet) for the Sultan. Balban also focused on repelling Mongol invasions and strengthening the military.
The Slave Dynasty ended in 1290 when the Khilji Dynasty rose to power, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Sultanate’s history.