Slave dynasty Qutb ud din Aibak

 

Slave dynasty

 

Question: Qutb ud-Din Aibak

Qutb ud-Din Aibak was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the first Muslim ruler of northern India. Born around 1150 in Turkestan (Central Asia), he belonged to a Turkic tribe. He ruled from 1206 to 1210 and started the Slave Dynasty, also called Mamluk Dynasty, because many rulers were former slaves. Aibak was known for his bravery, loyalty, and kindness. People called him "Lakh Baksh," meaning "giver of lakhs," because he donated a lot of money to the poor and his soldiers. He played a big role in bringing Muslim rule to India after his master, Muhammad Ghori, died.

Early Life

Aibak's early life was tough. As a child, he was captured and sold as a slave in Turkestan. He was bought by a Qazi (judge) in Nishapur, Persia, where he learned skills like archery, horse-riding, and reading the Quran. Later, he was sold again to Muhammad Ghori, the ruler of Ghor in Afghanistan. Ghori saw Aibak's talent and made him an officer in the royal stables (Amir-i-Akhur). Aibak worked hard and became a trusted general. During wars against the Khwarazmian Empire, he was captured once but freed after Ghori's victory. His education and skills helped him rise from slave to leader.

Military Career

Aibak was a great soldier under Muhammad Ghori. He helped in key battles that brought Muslim rule to India. In 1191, at the First Battle of Tarain, Ghori lost to Prithviraj Chauhan, but Aibak fought bravely. In 1192, at the Second Battle of Tarain, they won, and Aibak captured Delhi. Ghori left Aibak in charge of Indian lands. Aibak conquered places like Meerut, Aligarh, and Kalinjar. He defeated Rajput kings and raided their forts for treasure. In 1197, he won against the Chaulukya kingdom in Gujarat. By 1205, he controlled much of northern India, including Bengal through his general Bakhtiyar Khalji. After Ghori's death in 1206, Aibak fought rivals like Taj al-Din Yildiz to keep control.

Achievements as Ruler

As Sultan, Aibak focused on building a strong kingdom rather than more wars. He moved the capital from Lahore to Delhi, making it the center of power. He crushed rebellions in Ajmer and Bengal to keep peace. Aibak started a new coin system and improved administration. His biggest achievements were in architecture. He began the Qutub Minar in Delhi, a 73-meter tall tower to honor a Sufi saint, and finished the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque using stones from Hindu temples. In Ajmer, he built the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra mosque. These buildings mixed Persian and Indian styles, starting Indo-Islamic art. Aibak supported writers and was fair to Hindus, even hiring them in his army. He got recognition from the Ghurid ruler as "Malik" (king) in 1208-1209.

Death and Legacy

Aibak died on November 4, 1210, at age 60. He fell from his horse while playing polo (chaugan) in Lahore, and the saddle's pommel pierced his body, killing him instantly. He was buried in Lahore, where his tomb still stands today, renovated in the 1970s. His son Aram Shah became king but was weak. Soon, Aibak's son-in-law Iltutmish took over and made the Sultanate stronger.

Aibak's legacy is huge. He founded the Delhi Sultanate, which lasted over 300 years. His rule brought stability after Ghori's conquests and started Muslim culture in India. Buildings like Qutub Minar are UNESCO sites now. Though his reign was short, he laid the base for future rulers.