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.
Slave Dynasty Rulers
Slave Dynasty Rulers (1206-1290 AD), which was the first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate in India. This dynasty is also known as the Mamluk Dynasty as the rulers were originally slaves who rose to power:
| S. No. | Ruler | Reign | Key Contributions / Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qutb-ud-din Aibak | 1206–1210 AD | – Founder of the Slave Dynasty and first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.- A former slave of Muhammad Ghori, he became the Sultan after Ghori’s death in 1206.- Commissioned the construction of Qutub Minar (though completed later).- Known as Lakh Baksh for his generosity.- Died in 1210 due to a fall from a horse while playing polo. |
| 2 | Aram Shah | 1210–1211 AD | – Son of Qutb-ud-din Aibak.- Weak ruler and lacked political support.- Removed from power by Iltutmish after only one year. |
| 3 | Shams-ud-din Iltutmish | 1211–1236 AD | – Consolidated the Delhi Sultanate and is considered the real architect of the Slave Dynasty.- Defeated rivals like Yildiz and Qabacha to stabilize his rule.- Introduced Iqta System (land revenue assignment).- Completed the Qutub Minar.- Established a currency system with Silver Tanka and Copper Jital.- Declared Delhi the capital of his empire. – Patronized art, literature, and Sufi saints. |
| 4 | Rukn-ud-din Firuz | 1236 AD (short reign) | – Son of Iltutmish.- Known for his indulgent lifestyle and incompetence.- His mother, Shah Turkan, dominated the administration.- Deposed after six months. |
| 5 | Raziyya Sultan | 1236–1240 AD | – First and only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.- Daughter of Iltutmish, chosen by him for her capabilities.- Known for her bravery and administrative skills.- Faced resistance from nobles and was eventually defeated and killed in 1240.- Dressed as a man to assert her authority. |
| 6 | Bahram Shah | 1240–1242 AD | – Son of Iltutmish, placed on the throne by the nobles.- Weak ruler, controlled by the powerful Turkish nobles (Chahalgani or Forty nobles).- Deposed in 1242. |
| 7 | Ala-ud-din Masud Shah | 1242–1246 AD | – Grandson of Iltutmish.- Initially supported by the nobles but later turned into an incompetent ruler.- Removed by the nobles in 1246 AD. |
| 8 | Nasir-ud-din Mahmud | 1246–1266 AD | – Another son of Iltutmish.- Known as a pious ruler focused on religious activities.- Real power was wielded by his deputy and military commander Ghiyas-ud-din Balban.- Promoted Islamic learning and constructed mosques. |
| 9 | Ghiyas-ud-din Balban | 1266–1287 AD | – Originally a slave of Iltutmish and one of the Forty nobles.- Became Sultan after Nasir-ud-din Mahmud.- Strong and authoritarian ruler who broke the power of the Turkish nobles.- Established a strong central administration.- Implemented the policy of “Blood and Iron” to suppress rebellions.- Strengthened the Sultanate’s military and guarded against Mongol invasions. |
| 10 | Muiz-ud-din Qaiqabad | 1287–1290 AD | – Grandson of Balban.- Known for his luxurious and pleasure-seeking lifestyle.- The Sultanate weakened under his rule.- Deposed by his nobles, marking the end of the Slave Dynasty. |
Key Notes:
- The Slave Dynasty ended in 1290 AD when Jalal-ud-din Khalji overthrew Qaiqabad and established the Khalji Dynasty.
- The Slave Dynasty rulers laid the foundation for centralized administration in India and introduced significant military and administrative reforms.
- Iltutmish and Balban are considered the two most significant rulers of this dynasty for their lasting impact on the Delhi Sultanate.