0Iltutmish (1211–1236 CE)
Introduction:
Iltutmish, also known as Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, was the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and the real consolidator of the Slave Dynasty (Mamluk Dynasty). He transformed the unstable dominion established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak into a strong and centralized empire. His reign (1211–1236 CE) marked the foundation of a stable administration and political order in North India.
Early Life and Accession
•Iltutmish was originally a Turkish slave, purchased by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and rose through the ranks due to his intelligence and administrative skills.
•After Aibak’s death (1210 CE), his son Aram Shah proved incapable. The nobles invited Iltutmish to assume power in 1211 CE.
•He ascended the throne at Delhi and was formally recognized by the Caliph of Baghdad, which legitimized his rule.
Consolidation of Power
•Suppression of Internal Revolts: Iltutmish faced multiple internal challenges from Turkish nobles (Chihalgani), and regional governors in Bengal and Sindh. He successfully subdued them, asserting his authority over the empire.
•Rival Claimants: He defeated Aram Shah and later other rebellious governors like Ali Mardan and Qabacha.
•Razia Sultan’s Appointment: Recognizing her ability, Iltutmish declared his daughter Razia as his successor, breaking patriarchal norms.
Territorial Expansion
•Sindh and Multan: Iltutmish defeated Nasir-ud-din Qabacha and brought these regions under his control.
•Bengal: He subdued rebellious governors of Bengal and reasserted Delhi’s control over it.
•Rajput Campaigns: He captured Ranthambore and Gwalior, though Rajput resistance persisted in Rajasthan.
•Frontier Policy: His policy towards the Mongols was cautious; when Genghis Khan invaded the northwest (1221 CE), Iltutmish refused asylum to Khwarazm Shah and avoided direct conflict with the Mongols, saving Delhi from devastation.
Administration and Governance
Iltutmish laid the real foundations of the Delhi Sultanate’s administration, which influenced subsequent rulers.
•Central Administration:
•Divided his empire into Iqtas (provinces), each governed by an Iqta-holder (Muqti) responsible for collecting revenue and maintaining order.
•The revenue system was reformed, and officials like Ariz-i-Mumalik (head of army) and Amir-i-Dad (justice) were institutionalized.
•Bureaucracy and Nobility:
•Formed the Turkan-i-Chahalgani (Council of Forty), a body of Turkish nobles to assist in administration.
•However, this later became powerful and troublesome for his successors.
•Judicial and Religious Policy:
•Adopted Islamic principles in administration but remained tolerant toward non-Muslims.
•Patronized Ulema and Sufis, balancing orthodoxy with pragmatism.
Cultural and Architectural Contributions
•Iltutmish continued Aibak’s architectural legacy and completed the Qutub Minar in Delhi.
•Built the Sultan Ghari — the first Islamic mausoleum in India, for his son Nasir-ud-din Mahmud.
•Promoted Persian as the language of administration and culture.
•His court attracted scholars like Minhaj-us-Siraj, author of Tabaqat-i-Nasiri.
Foreign Relations
•Maintained cautious diplomacy with the Mongols, avoiding confrontation.
•Received the investiture from the Abbasid Caliph in 1229 CE, which gave his rule a religious legitimacy and international recognition.
Evaluation and Legacy
•Political Achievement: He transformed a fragile state into a strong centralized monarchy and laid the real foundation of the Delhi Sultanate.
•Administrative Legacy: His Iqta system, centralized bureaucracy, and coinage reforms influenced later Sultans like Balban and Alauddin Khilji.
•Currency Reform: Introduced the silver tanka and copper jital, forming the basis of India’s medieval currency system.
•Legacy: Iltutmish is regarded as the “real founder of the Delhi Sultanate.” His successors, especially Razia Sultana, inherited a strong administrative structure.
Conclusion
Iltutmish’s reign was a turning point in the history of the Delhi Sultanate. Rising from slavery to sovereignty, he built the framework of an enduring empire. His policies of consolidation, administrative reform, and pragmatic diplomacy established the political stability necessary for the later expansion under rulers like Balban and Alauddin Khilji. In the true sense, Iltutmish was not just a ruler but an institution builder — the architect of the early Delhi Sultanate.
