2. The Slave Dynasty (1206 – 1290)

The Delhi Sultanate spanned for 326 years, and the Slave dynasty was the first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Muhammed Ghori founded the Muslim rule in India during the 12th century AD, and he nurtured a special set of slaves named "Bandagan”, as he had no sons.

Later these slaves were assigned the posting of governors and after some time they were raised to the status of sultans. Qutb-ud-din-Aibak, who was one among the slaves of Ghori, claimed the territories of him post the death of Ghori in 1206 and self-proclaimed himself as the ruler of Turkish territories in India. Thus, he laid the foundation of the Slave dynasty in India. The slave dynasty spanned \(84\)years.

Qutb-ud-din-Aibak started his rule by establishing Lahore as his capital which he later changed to Delhi. He conquered new territories, and at the same time, kept rebellions in check. His military campaigns witnessed the conquest of the central and western part of Indo- Gangetic plain.

Meanwhile, Bhaktiar Khalji was left with the conquest of the eastern Gangetic plain (which comprised areas of Bihar and Bengal).
 
Aibak built Quwwat-ul-Islam (Mosque) in Delhi and also laid the foundation stone for Qutub Minar, which he was unable to complete, and later completed by Iltutmish (his son-in-law and successor). Aibak died in \(1210\) from the injuries he acquired accidentally during a game of polo or chaugan.

Iltutmish, the son-in-law of Aibak, was chosen as the Sultan by the nobles as his son Aram shah displayed incompetence. Iltutmish, who served as the commander of the Aibak, later took resolute actions against rebels.

The Mongolian threat under Chengis Khan emerged during his period. He averted it tactically by denying shelter to Khwarezm Shah Jalal-ud-din, who Chengis Khan chased out.

 

 

Iltutmish organised "Chahalgani- a select group of 40 Turkish nobles " to counter the invasion of the Mongols, also known as "The Forty".
The "Iqta - land grants to the military officials instead of their regular wage" were granted by Iltutmish.

He also formed another group of people under the name of " Muqti - who entitled to serve the sultan during the time of war ".

 

The Qutb-Minar was completed during his reign, of which Aibak earlier laid the foundation before his death.