1. Sultan Qutbuddin Aibak:
The primary Sultan of the Mamluk line was Qutb ud-Din Aibak, who had the main title of Sultan and ruled from 1206 to 1210. He briefly suppressed the uprisings of Nasir-ud-Din Qabacha of Multan and Tajuddin Yildoz of Ghazni. Making Lahore his capital, he solidified his control over North India through an authoritative hold over Delhi. He moreover started the development of Delhi’s most punctual Muslim landmarks, the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the Qutb Minar. In 1210, he passed on due to wounds gotten from an mishap whereas playing a diversion of polo in Lahore; his horse fell and he was skewered on the pommel of his saddle. He was buried close the Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore.
- Sultan Aram Shah:
The moment Sultan was Aram Shah, who had the main title of Sultan and ruled from 1210 to 1211. An tip top bunch of forty nobles named Chihalgani (“the Forty”) contrived against Aram Shah and welcomed Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, at that point Representative of Badaun, to supplant Aram. Iltutmish crushed Aram within the plain of Jud close Delhi. It is not quite certain what became of Aram.
- Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish:
The third Sultan was Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, who had the main title of Nasir Amir-ul-Mu’minin and ruled from 1211 to 1236. He moved the capital from Lahore to Delhi and trebled the exchequer. He vanquished Nasir-ud-Din Qabacha of Multan and Tajuddin Yildoz of Ghazni, who had announced themselves contenders of Delhi. The Mongols infringed into India in interest of the final Khwarazmshah Jalal-ud-din Mangabarni, who was crushed at the Fight of Indus by Genghis Khan in 1221. After Genghis Khan’s passing, Iltutmish solidified his hold on northern India by retaking numerous of the misplaced regions. Bengal, which had been held by the Turkic common Bakhtiyar Khilji and his successors of the Khalji line of Bengal, was at long last joined into the Delhi Sultanate in 1227. In 1230, Iltutmish built the Hauz-i-Shamsi store in Mehrauli, and in 1231 he built Sultan Ghari, which was the primary Islamic tomb indelhi. Tomb Iltutmish (r. 1211–1236) within the Qutub Minar complex.
- Rukn-ud-din Feroze:
The fourth Sultan was Rukn-ud-din Feroze, who had the main title of Sultan and ruled from April 1236 to November 1236. He ruled for as it were seven months and his mother, Shah Turkan, for all down to earth purposes was running the government. He surrendered himself to the interest of individual delight and intemperance, to the significant shock of the citizenry. On 9 November 1236, both Rukn-ud-din Feroze and his mother Shah Turkan were killed by the Chihalgani.
- Razia Sultana:
The fifth Sultana was Razia al-Din, who had the main title of Jalâlat-ud-dîn Raziyâ Sultana and ruled from 1236 to 1240. As the primary female Muslim ruler in India, she at first overseen to inspire the nobles and authoritatively taken care of the Sultanate well. Be that as it may, she started partner with the African Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut, inciting racial enmity among the nobles and clergy, who were fundamentally Central Asian Turkic and as of now detested the run the show of a female ruler. She was vanquished by the effective aristocrat Malik Altunia whom she concurred to wed. Her half-brother Muiz-ud-din Bahram, in any case, usurped the position of authority with the assistance of the Chihalgani and vanquished the combined strengths of the Sultana and her spouse. The couple fled and come to Kaithal, where their remaining powers surrendered them. They both fell into the hands of Jats and were victimized and slaughtered on 14 October 1240.
- Sultan Muiz-ud-din Bahram:
The sixth Sultan was Muiz-ud-din Bahram, who had the Nominal name of Sultan and prevail from 1240 to 15 May 1242. During his reign, the Chihalgani became disorderly and constantly bickered among each other. It was during this period of unrest that the Mongols invaded the Punjab and sacked Lahore. Muiz-ud-din Bahram was too weak to take any action against them, and the Chihalgani besieged him in the White Fort of Delhi and put him to death in 1242.
- Sultan Ala-ud-din Masud:
The seventh Sultan was Ala-ud-din Masud, who had the Nominal name of Sultan and prevail from 1242 to 1246. He was effectively a puppet for the Chihalgani and did not actually have much power or influence in the government. Instead, he became abominable for his fondness of entertainment and wine. By 1246, the chiefs had become upset with Ala-ud-din Masud’s increasing hunger for more power and replaced him with his cousin Nasiruddin Mahmud, who was another grandson of Iltutmish.
- Sultan Nasir-ud-din Mahmud:
The eighth Sultan was Nasiruddin Mahmud, who had the Nominal name of Nasir-ud-din Feroze Shah and prevail from 1246 to 1266. As a ruler, Mahmud was known to be very religious, spending most of his time in prayer and was renowned for help the poor and the distressed. It was his Deputy Sultan, Ghiyath-ud-din Balban, who primarily dealt with kingdom affairs.
- Sultan Ghiyath-ud-din Balban:
The ninth Sultan was Ghiyath-ud-din Balban, who had the Nominal name of Sultan and prevail from 1266 to 1287. Balban ruled with an iron fist and broke up the Chihalgani group of noblemen. He tried to establish peace and order in India and built many outposts with garrisons of soldiers in areas where there had been disorder. Balban wanted to make sure everyone was loyal to the crown, so he established an efficient espionage system. He also fought against the Mongols and repelled many invasions by them. He lost his favourite son Prince Muhammad in a battle against the Mongols.
- Muiz-ud-din Muhammad Qaiqabad:
The tenth and final Sultan was Muiz-ud-din Muhammad Qaiqabad, who had the Nominal name of Sultan and prevail from 1287 to 1290. Being still young at the time, he ignored all state affairs. After four years, he suffered a paralytic stroke and was later murdered in 1290 by a Khalji chief. His three-year-old son Kayumars nominally succeeded him, but the Slave dynasty had distroy with the rise of the Khaljis.
Initiatives of Mamluk Dynasty:
Qutab-ud-Din Aibak:
The initiatives of the great Qutab-ud-Din includes the following architectures:
- The Qutab Minar: It was built by Qutab-ud-Din who was the founder of this dynasty. It was made in 1192AD in the Qutab Complex Mehrauli, the city of Delhi.
- The Quwwat-ul-Islam: It was the second initiative of Aibak. This mosque was is called “Might of Islam” mosque. It is also situated in Qutab Complex. It was made in 1193AD as the mark of victory on Rajpoots.
- Tomb of Aibak: He built his tomb in Anarkali Bazar, Lahore.
Iltutmish
The initiatives of the Iltutmish includes the following architectures:
- The Hauz-e-Shamsi: It was a pond built by the Iltutmish. It is situated is south of Qutab Minar.
- Gandhak Ki Bauli: It was a stepwell built by the Iltutmish for the sufi saint; Qutab-ud-Din Bakhtiar Kaki.
- Mausoleum of Naseer-ud-Din: In the reign of Iltutmish, he built the mausoleum of Naseer ud din Mahmud, who was the eldest son of Iltutmish; also known as Sultan Ghari. It was built in 1231AD.
Policies of the Mamluk dynasty (1206–1286)
Qutb ud din Aibak
Although his tenure as ruler was only four years, most of which he spent coping with rebellions by nobles such as Taj-ud-din Ildiz, Nasir-ud-din Qubachah and several Hindu chiefs, he nevertheless established a solid administrative system. . He restored peace and prosperity to the region below him, and the roads were free of thieves and robbers. Aibak was known as Lakh Baksh because of his generosity. He was also a devout Muslim. Historians have praised his righteous justice.
Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish
Iltutmish organized the administration of the sultanate, laying the foundation for its rule over northern India until the Mughal invasion. He introduced the silver tanka and the copper jitmetal two staple coins of the Sultanate period with a standard weight of 175 grains. He established the Iqtadari system: the division of the empire into Iqtas, which were assigned to nobles and officers instead of laras. He built many buildings, including mosques, khanqahs (monasteries), dargahs (shrines or tombs of influential people), and a reservoir (hawz) for pilgrims. When a group of ulema came to Iltutmish and asked him to apply the law of “death or Islam” to the Hindus.
Razia Sultana
The nobles who supported Razia intended her to be a puppet, but she increasingly asserted herself. For example, her initial coins were issued with the name Heather, but in 1237–1238 she began issuing coins in her own name only. Isami mentions that at first she observed purdah: her throne was separated from courtiers and the general public by a screen, and she was surrounded by female guards. Later, however, she began to appear in public dressed in traditional male clothing, a cloak (Aqaba) and a hat (kulah). Kularode on elephants through the streets of Delhi and appeared in public like earlier sultans.
Sultan Ghiyath-ud-din Balban
Balban had to face several tens of thousands after he ascended the throne. The affairs of the state fell into confusion and the prestige of the crown declined due to the miso rule of the weak and incompetent successors of Iltmish. The powers of the nobles increased and most of the members of the famous forty became disloyal to the throne.
They were proud, arrogant and jealous of Balban. In the words of Barani, “The fear of ruling power, which is the foundation of all good governments and the source of glory and luster of the state, has vanished from the hearts of all men, and the country has fallen into a state of misery. .”
The royal treasury was empty and the army was not well organized. A Mongol invasion was imminent, as were internal rebellions raising their heads at regular intervals. This was the critical phase when Balban was given the responsibility to face and fight. However, he proved to be more than their equal.
Restoring the Crown’s Prestige
Balban realized that without restoring the prestige of the crown, which had declined during the rule of Iltutmish’s weak successors, no better and effective government could be possible. He also knew that it could be restored by a policy of absolute despotism. He believed that absolute despotism alone could compel obedience from his subjects and ensure the security of the country.
At first, Balban presented his concept of kingship theory to his subjects. Second, he emphasized external dignity and prestige as essential to kingship. He kept a great distance from people and denied meeting common people. He organized his court after the Iranian model and observed very strictly the etiquette and Ceremonies of the Persians.
He ordered Sid (bowing) and pianos (kissing the feet) as the normal form of greeting for the king. He forbade drinking, joking, laughing and even smiling among courtiers and officers. He also gave up wine and merriment. He also dismissed all poor persons from important offices in his administration. Thus Balban, by displaying his power, authority and dignity, struck terror in the hearts of the people and made them docile. This was the right move at the time to restore the crown’s prestige
The Doom of the Forties:
A select body of forty Turkish nobles was created by Iltmish for better and more efficient administration. Members of this body were selected on the basis of loyalty and meritorious service. But after Iltmish, the members of the Forty enjoyed unlimited power because of his weak and incompetent successors. They considered the Sultan to be just a puppet in their hands. Balban knew that forty would be a great obstacle in the way of his despotism.
And without its destruction he could not achieve his goal. So he planned to bring them under control by destroying their organization. First, he promoted the junior Turks to important positions and made them equal to the forty. Second, he imposed severe punishments on the members of the Forty for minor offenses and reduced their importance in the eyes of the people.
He publicly flogged Malik Baqbaq, the governor of Badaun and a member of the Forty, for beating his servant to death. Haibat Khan, another influential member of the forty and governor of Awadh, killed a man while drunk on wine. He was flogged 500 stripes and handed over to the widow of the deceased, to whom he paid 20,000 tankas to be freed.
Also read: Baber Azam
Spy System
Balban organized an efficient system of espionage as an instrument of his despotism. He assigned reporters and correspondents in every department, in every province and district to gather information about various happenings in the state. They did it with the utmost sincerity and secrecy. They were severely punished if they failed to fulfill their duties.
A reporter from Badaun was hanged over the city gate for failing to report Malik Baqbaq’s misconduct in time. They were highly paid and independent of the control of governors and commanders. They were also rewarded for their brave service. As a result, there could be no internal uprisings, and even the nobles could not gather for discussions. Balban was able to maintain effective control over the government and the people through this system of espionage. Law and order were perfectly established throughout his reign.
Reorganization of the Army
Balban reorganized his army and made it strong and efficient as it was the main pillar of his despotic rule. He appointed Imad-ul-Mulk, who was a competent vigilant officer, Diwan-i-Ariz (Minister of War) in charge of the army. The minister in charge of the army was independent of the Wazir’s financial control and enjoyed the full confidence of the Sultan.
Lands which had been given in Jagir to military personnel since the days of Aibak, and which were now enjoyed by their widows, sons and successors, were taken back and they were paid cash pensions.
Impacts of Mamluk Dynasty
- On State and Society
Sultan Qutbuddin Aibak:
Qutbuddin Aibak made some harsh policies for the Hindus. He destroyed all the temples and built mosques at that places. The thing that is worth mentioning here is his administrative system. He managed a firm administrative system. Before his reign, there was theft and robbery. He restored peace in his are and made the are free from robbers and thieves. He helped the poor people economically and was given the name “Lakh Baksh” because of his generosity. He was a pious Muslim. He was so dedicated to his religious practices.
Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish
During his reign, some nobles were rebelling against the Sultanate. He defeated them. At that time, there was also a danger of Mongol invasion. He diplomatically secured the Sultante from the Mongols. Like Qutbuddin Aibak, he also behaved rudely with the Hindus.
Razia Sultana
Although she didn’t make any firm administrative system, but took some steps that proved beneficial for the people. She established schools and academies to promote education. She also made public libraries to make it easy for the scholars to do research work. She was committed to progressive reform policies. She also built new roads and wells.
Sultan Ghiyath-ud-din Balban
To prove his superiority and power, he introduced the famous Persian Festival, Nauroz. He administered the army to fight against the Mongols. He had some strict rules in the court. He started some new customs to show that the nobles were not equal. He was the one who brought peace and order in the state and brought back the power and reputation of the Sultan.
The Socio-economic Setup
The Delhi Sultanate saw a period of social transformation. People were widely divided into Hindus and Muslims based on their religion. The Sultanate of Delhi faced a flux in socio economic structure.
The state of the economy during the Delhi Sultanate:
During the Delhi Sultanate, trade significantly rose. There was a money system that was based on the silver tanka. In order to connect Delhi, Lahore, and Sonargaon in Bengal, roads were built. Another form of communication was the creation of a post relay system with horse riders carrying the posts. New industries including metalworking, papermaking, and textile production had their epicentres in Delhi, Lahore, Multan, and Lakhnauti. In place of textiles, horses, ivory, and spices were imported during textile trade with China and west Asia. The Arabs dominated the commerce, but there was also involvement from Gujaratis, Tamils, and Kalingas.
The majority of them were labourers who made a subsistence living. There were some wealthy landowners, including Muslims and Hindus. Due to their ownership of a palace, the Sultan and his nobles led opulent lives. The middle classes included store owners and craftspeople. Slavery existed during that time.
Land revenue, also known as Kharaj, served as the state’s primary source of income. This referred to all levies on non-Muslims, including Jaziyah. The land tax was previously one-sixth and one-half of the gross product, but Alauddin Khilji increased it. This amounted to a form of capitation tax paid by each and every Hindu. Zakat, also known as Khams or Ghaninah, is the name of the tax wealthy Muslims pay to assist less fortunate Muslims.
Conditions in society during the Delhi Sultanate:
The Delhi Sultanate saw a period of social transformation. People were widely divided into Hindus and Muslims based on their religion. Muslims were once more split into two groups: chiefs and aristocracy. The Khans, Maliks, and Amirs were the three classes that made up the nobility. The newly appointed Zamindars and other administrative personnel were included in the chief.
The majority of the nobility were Muslims from Turkey and Persia, but Muslims from India also started to appear. Still, precedence was given to foreign Muslims, and when a noble lost his position, it went to his heirs. The revered class that held the top spot in the social hierarchy were the nobles known as Ashraf. This outlined the Muslim social stratification.
Due to their status and wealth, nobility had an extravagant and opulent lifestyle. Over time, warrior nobles evolved into cultural supporters. Political ties between the Turkish sultans and the Hindu Rajputs were becoming more widespread during that time.
The judges who assisted the nobles were Qazis and Mujiis. Mehtasib used to keep an eye on Muslims’ compliance with the shariah. These were all paid positions. There were several. The Hindus’ social structure didn’t undergo any notable changes. The Purdah system gained popularity during the Delhi Sultanate. Women were veiled among the higher classes, while they had more freedom in the lower classes. Customs like sati and the prohibition on widow remarriage were already established at that period. There was only one benefit: widows were permitted to inherit their husbands’ assets.
There was significant economic disparity and racial and ethnic division in Muslim society. There were hardly any marriages between Muslims from Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and India. Hindus who converted to Islam had less consideration and a lower position.
The entire local administrative structure was under the control of the Hindus. There was crossover between the Hindu and Muslim groups. still present.