The Slave Dynasty, also called the Mumluk Dynasty, was an important era in Indian history. It marked the beginning of Muslim rule in the subcontinent, starting in the early 13th century. Founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave of Mohammed Ghori, this dynasty played a key role in shaping India’s political landscape.

Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206-1210)

Qutb-ud-din Aibak, once a slave, established the Slave Dynasty. During his brief four-year rule, he focused on consolidating his power. Aibak built the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Delhi to celebrate the victory of Islam in India. He also constructed the Adhai Din Ka Jhompra mosque in Ajmer and began the Qutub Minar, which was dedicated to the Sufi saint Khwaja Qutbuddin Bhaktiyar Kaki.

Iltutmish (1210-1236)

Iltutmish, originally named Shamsuddin Iliyas, was Aibak’s son-in-law. His reign was marked by significant achievements, including the defense of India against the Mongol invasions led by Genghis Khan. Iltutmish moved the capital from Lahore to Delhi and completed the construction of both the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the Qutub Minar. He introduced the Iqta system, a form of land grant, and established a new coinage system with silver Tanka, bronze Biranz, and copper Jittal coins. Iltutmish also appointed his daughter, Razia, as his successor.

Razia Sultana (1236-1240)

Razia Sultana, the first female Muslim ruler in India, came to power by removing her brother, Ruknuddin Feroz. She appointed an African slave named Yakuth to lead the cavalry. Her reign faced opposition from the Chahalgani, a group of forty nobles. Razia married the governor of Bhatinda, Altuniya, but both were killed in a coup led by the Chahalgani.

Nasiruddin (1246-1266)

After Razia’s death, the Chahalgani gained power. Balban managed to place Nasiruddin Mahmud, a younger son of Iltutmish, on the throne. Nasiruddin, who preferred philosophy over ruling, was eventually overthrown by his prime minister, Balban.

Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266-1286)

Balban, the most notable ruler of the Slave Dynasty, sought to strengthen the monarchy by eliminating the Chahalgani. He introduced Persian customs such as Sizda (prostration), Paibas (kissing the Sultan’s feet), and Nauruz (Persian New Year). Balban established the Diwan-i-Ariz, a defense department, and took strong measures against robbers and dacoits to ensure the safety of Delhi. He dealt with the Mongol threat with a firm hand, sending his son Mahmud to the western frontiers, where Mahmud died. Saddened by his son’s death, Balban fell ill and died in 1286. After his death, Kalimullah and Qaimus briefly ruled. Qaiqubad, the last Sultan of the Slave Dynasty, was eventually paralyzed and removed from the throne by Jalaluddin Khalji.