The Delhi Sultanat—I (Circa 1200–1400)

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the challenges faced by the Delhi Sultanat in maintaining control over northern India.
2. Examine the key figures like Iltutmish and Balban in consolidating Turkish rule.
3. Analyze the internal and external threats to the Delhi Sultanat.
4. Assess the impact of Mongol invasions on the political dynamics of the region.

The Mameluk Sultans

Several factors enabled the Turks to extend their conquest from the Punjab and Multan into the Ganga Valley, eventually overrunning Bihar and parts of Bengal. These include:

1. Persistent foreign invasions.
2. Internal conflicts among Turkish leaders.
3. Efforts by Rajput rulers to regain independence.

Despite these challenges, the Delhi Sultanat managed to maintain control, eventually extending their rule over Malwa and Gujarat, and penetrating into the Deccan and South India. The establishment of Turkish rule led to significant changes in society, administration, and cultural life across India.

Struggle for the Establishment of a Strong Monarchy

Muizzuddin (Muhammad of Ghur) was succeeded by Qutbuddin Aibak, a Turkish slave, in 1206, who played a crucial role in the expansion of the Sultanat after the battle of Tarain.

Iltutmish (1210–36)

Iltutmish, who succeeded Aibak in 1210, is regarded as the real consolidator of the Turkish conquests in northern India. Initially, he focused on the northwest, successfully ousting Qubacha from Multan and Uchch. This extended the frontiers of the Delhi Sultanat to the Indus River.

Key actions by Iltutmish:

1. Defeated and killed Iwaz in Bengal and Bihar in 1226–27.
2. Recovered Gwaliyar and Bayana, and maintained control over Ajmer and Nagor.
3. Sent expeditions against Ranthambhor and Jalor to reassert suzerainty, but faced setbacks against the Chalukyas of Gujarat.

Important Note: Despite the setbacks, Iltutmish’s reign marked the consolidation of Turkish power in the region, establishing a foundation for future expansions.

Raziya (1236–39)

Raziya, nominated by Iltutmish as his successor, faced significant opposition from her brothers and powerful Turkish nobles. Despite ruling for only three years, her reign was marked by:

1. A struggle for power between the monarchy and the Turkish chiefs.
2. Rejection of traditional female roles, holding court unveiled and leading the army.
3. Rebellions in Lahore and Sirhind, and an internal rebellion leading to her imprisonment and eventual death.

Era of Balban (1246–87)

The power struggle between the monarchy and the Turkish chiefs continued until Ulugh Khan (later known as Balban) ascended the throne in 1265. His reign is noted for:

1. Strengthening central government through harsh methods.
2. Military reforms to counter internal and external threats.
3. Subduing rebellious elements, particularly in the Ganga-Jamuna doab and Awadh regions, where he ruthlessly crushed dissent.

Balban’s reign marked the beginning of a strong, centralized government in the Delhi Sultanat. However, his exclusion of non-Turks from positions of power and his harsh methods led to dissatisfaction, paving the way for further challenges after his death.

The Mongols and the Problem of the Northwest Frontier

India’s northwest frontier remained a vulnerable point for invasions throughout its history. The Mongol threat, emerging in the 13th century, posed significant challenges to the Delhi Sultanat. The Mongols, under leaders like Changez Khan, advanced through Central Asia, eventually reaching the Indus River, and even threatening Delhi itself.

Key responses to the Mongol threat:

1. Iltutmish diplomatically refused asylum to Jalaluddin, the defeated Khwarizmi ruler, to avoid provoking the Mongols.
2. Balban adopted a combination of force and diplomacy, reinforcing forts along the northwest frontier and maintaining a strong military presence.
3. The Mongol invasions were eventually repelled, especially during the reign of Alauddin Khalji, who took serious measures to strengthen his army and fortifications.

Internal Rebellions and Territorial Consolidation

During the Ilbari Turks rule, the Delhi Sultanat faced numerous internal rebellions. These were led by ambitious Muslim chiefs, Rajput rajas, and zamindars eager to exploit the Sultanat’s weaknesses.

Rebellions in Eastern India

1. Bengal and Bihar continually sought independence from Delhi, with Iwaz in Bengal establishing his rule until defeated by Iltutmish.
2. Following Iltutmish’s death, Bengal and Bihar oscillated between independence and submission to Delhi.
3. Balban’s efforts to reassert control were met with mixed success, and Bengal eventually broke away under Bughra Khan after Balban’s death.

Challenges in Rajasthan and the Ganga Doab

The southern and western frontiers of the Delhi Sultanat were also fraught with challenges:

1. Iltutmish struggled to maintain control over eastern Rajasthan, facing resistance from Rajput rulers.
2. Balban attempted to subdue Mewat and recover Gwaliyar, but with limited success.

Despite these challenges, the establishment of a strong monarchy, the repulsion of Mongol invaders, and the consolidation of territory in the Ganga doab laid the groundwork for the future expansion of the Delhi Sultanat into western India and the Deccan.

MCQ:

Which ruler is regarded as the real consolidator of the Turkish conquests in northern India?

• A) Qutbuddin Aibak
• B) Iltutmish
• C) Balban
• D) Alauddin Khalji

Answer: B) Iltutmish