Foundtion of Delhi Sultanate

Question: Foundation of the Delhi Sultanate

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Answer: Introduction to the Foundation of the Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate was a major Muslim kingdom in India that lasted from 1206 to 1526. It started when Turkish and Afghan rulers from Central Asia invaded northern India and set up their rule in Delhi. This period marked the beginning of large-scale Muslim rule in India, changing the country's politics, culture, and society. The foundation came after several invasions by Muslim armies, especially under leaders like Muhammad of Ghor. Before that, India had many Hindu kingdoms, and the arrival of these invaders led to battles and the creation of a new empire. The Sultanate had five main dynasties: Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi. It began with the Slave Dynasty, also called Mamluk, founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. This introduction will cover the background, key invasions, important battles, early rulers, and how the Sultanate was established. It laid the base for later empires like the Mughals and brought new ideas in administration, art, and religion to India.

Background of Muslim Invasions in India

Before the Delhi Sultanate, India was divided into small kingdoms ruled by Hindu kings like the Rajputs. In the north, dynasties such as the Pratiharas, Chauhans, and Solankis held power. The south had strong empires like the Cholas. Trade links with Arab merchants brought Islam to India's coasts as early as the 7th century, but invasions started later.

The first major Muslim invader was Mahmud of Ghazni from Afghanistan. Between 1000 and 1026, he raided India 17 times, attacking places like Somnath Temple for wealth. He did not stay to rule but weakened Hindu kingdoms and took away gold and slaves. His raids showed how rich India was and encouraged more invasions.

After Mahmud, the Ghurids from Ghor in Afghanistan rose. Muhammad of Ghor, also called Muizzuddin Muhammad, wanted to conquer and rule, not just loot. He started campaigns in the late 12th century. India at that time had no united front against invaders because kings fought among themselves. The caste system and feudal setup made armies less united. Elephants and infantry were common in Indian forces, while invaders had fast cavalry and archers. This difference helped the Muslims win battles.

Muhammad of Ghor first attacked Multan and Uch in 1175, then moved east. He faced resistance from Rajput kings like Prithviraj Chauhan of Ajmer and Delhi. These early attacks set the stage for the foundation of the Sultanate by showing that permanent rule was possible.

Key Battles Leading to the Foundation

The most important battles were the two Battles of Tarain. In the First Battle of Tarain in 1191, Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad of Ghor near Delhi. Muhammad was wounded and had to retreat. This victory boosted Rajput pride, but they did not chase the enemy.

Muhammad came back stronger in 1192 for the Second Battle of Tarain. He had a larger army with better tactics. Prithviraj's forces were big but slow. Muhammad used fake retreats to tire the Indians, then attacked with arrows. Prithviraj was captured and killed, according to some stories. This win opened northern India to Muslim rule.

After Tarain, Muhammad conquered Delhi and Ajmer. He left his general Qutb-ud-din Aibak in charge and returned to Ghor. Aibak expanded the territory by defeating other Rajput kings. In 1193, he took Kannauj from Jaichand, another rival of Prithviraj. The Battle of Chandawar against Jaichand was key, as it broke the Gahadavala dynasty.

Muhammad also sent armies to other areas. Bakhtiyar Khilji, another general, conquered Bihar and Bengal around 1200. He destroyed Buddhist centers like Nalanda but set up Muslim rule in the east. These victories showed quick expansion.

Muhammad of Ghor was killed in 1206 by assassins, leaving no strong heir. His generals in India became independent. Aibak, a former slave, took control in Lahore and then Delhi, starting the Sultanate. These battles were not just military wins; they ended Rajput dominance in the north and started a new era.

Role of Qutb-ud-din Aibak in Founding the Sultanate

Qutb-ud-din Aibak was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. Born a Turkish slave, he rose through skills in war and loyalty to Muhammad of Ghor. After the Second Tarain, he governed from Delhi.

In 1206, after Muhammad's death, Aibak declared himself Sultan. He moved the capital to Delhi, making it the center of power. His rule lasted only four years until 1210, but he laid strong foundations. Aibak crushed rebellions by Rajputs and expanded to Gujarat and Rajasthan.

He built the Qutub Minar in Delhi as a victory tower, started during his time. It showed Islamic architecture mixing with Indian styles. Aibak also made mosques from temple materials, like the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.

Aibak was kind to people, earning the name Lakh Baksh (giver of lakhs). He helped scholars and built public works. But his sudden death in a polo accident left the throne unstable. His son Aram Shah was weak, leading to a takeover by Iltutmish.

Aibak's role was crucial as he turned conquered lands into a kingdom. He set up administration with Persian influences, using iqta system for land grants to soldiers.

Shamsuddin Iltutmish: Strengthening the Foundation

Iltutmish, Aibak's son-in-law and former slave, became Sultan in 1211 after defeating Aram Shah. He ruled until 1236 and is seen as the real builder of the Sultanate.

Iltutmish faced many challenges. Rival generals like Yildoz and Qubacha claimed power. He defeated them in battles, uniting the territories. In 1221, Mongol invader Genghis Khan reached the Indus, but Iltutmish avoided war by diplomacy.

He got recognition from the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad, making his rule legitimate in Muslim eyes. This helped against rivals.

Iltutmish expanded the empire. He conquered Ranthambore, Mandawar, and parts of Malwa. In the east, he controlled Bengal after rebellions.

He organized administration. Introduced silver tanka and copper jital coins for trade. Set up a group of 40 loyal Turkish nobles called Chahalgani to support him.

Iltutmish built more of the Qutub Minar and tombs. He named his daughter Razia as heir, breaking tradition.

His death in 1236 led to weak successors, but his work made the Sultanate stable. He shifted from slave rule to a monarchy.

Razia Sultana and Early Challenges

Razia became Sultana in 1236, the first woman ruler in Muslim India. She was capable, trained in war and administration by Iltutmish.

Razia ruled like a man, wearing male clothes and leading armies. She crushed rebellions and improved justice.

But nobles opposed her because she was a woman and favored non-Turks like Jamaluddin Yaqut, an Abyssinian.

In 1240, nobles rebelled, captured her, and made her brother Bahram Shah Sultan. Razia married Altunia, a rebel, to fight back but was defeated and killed.

Her short rule showed gender issues in medieval times. It also highlighted Turkish nobles' power, leading to instability.

After Razia, weak rulers like Bahram and Masud followed, with nobles controlling everything. This period saw Mongol threats and internal fights.

Nasiruddin Mahmud and Ghiyasuddin Balban

Nasiruddin Mahmud became Sultan in 1246 with help from Balban, a powerful noble. Nasiruddin was pious and simple, letting Balban handle affairs.

Balban suppressed rebellions and defended against Mongols. In 1266, after Nasiruddin's death, Balban became Sultan.

Balban ruled strictly until 1287. He believed in divine kingship, acting aloof to command respect.

He destroyed the Chahalgani group to centralize power. Built a strong army with espionage to prevent revolts.

Balban conquered rebellious areas like Doab and Bengal. He stopped Mongol advances by fortifying borders.

His harsh policies stabilized the Sultanate but were cruel. After his death, the Slave Dynasty ended with weak heirs.

Transition to Khilji Dynasty

The Slave Dynasty lasted from 1206 to 1290. It founded the Sultanate but faced constant threats.

In 1290, Jalaluddin Khilji, an Afghan, took power, starting the Khilji Dynasty. This shift showed changing ethnic groups in rule.

The foundation period set patterns: central rule from Delhi, mix of Persian and Indian systems, and ongoing expansions.

Impact of the Foundation on Indian Society

The establishment brought Islam as a major force. Mosques, madrasas, and new laws changed society.

Hindus and Muslims interacted, leading to conversions and cultural mix. Persian became court language, influencing Hindi.

Economy grew with new crops and trade routes. But wars caused destruction in some areas.

Rajput resistance continued, but many allied with Sultans for posts.

Military and Administrative Foundations

Early Sultans built armies with cavalry from Central Asia. The iqta system gave lands for military service.

Administration used Persian models: Sultan at top, wazirs for finance, qazis for justice.

Delhi became a grand city with forts and markets.

Cultural Changes During Foundation

Architecture mixed: arches and domes with Indian carvings.

Literature saw Persian histories like those on conquests.

Sufis arrived, spreading Islam peacefully.

Challenges in the Early Years

Rebellions by Hindus and rival Muslims were common.

Mongol threats from north forced strong defenses.

Succession fights weakened rulers.

Legacy of the Foundation

The Delhi Sultanate lasted over 300 years, influencing Mughals.

It united northern India under one rule for the first time in centuries.

Brought new technologies like paper and gunpowder.

In simple terms, the foundation was about conquest, consolidation, and cultural blend, shaping modern India.