how long did the delhi sultanate rule the slave dynasty?
How long did the Delhi Sultanate rule the Slave Dynasty?
The Delhi Sultanate’s Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, was the first of the Delhi Sultanate dynasties to establish and consolidate control in India. This dynasty ruled from 1206 to 1290. Therefore, the Mamluk or Slave Dynasty governed the region for approximately 84 years.
Background of the Mamluk Dynasty
Establishment by Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206–1210): Originally a slave of the Ghurid ruler Muhammad Ghori, he became the first Sultan of Delhi. After Ghori’s assassination in 1206, Aibak declared himself the Sultan and laid the foundation of the Mamluk Dynasty.
Aibak’s tenure marked the start of a new chapter in Indian history. Despite being a brief period of rule, his reign was significant for the consolidation of power in the Indian subcontinent.
Successive Rulers
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Iltutmish (1211–1236): A prominent figure, Iltutmish strengthened and expanded the dynasty’s territories. He was notable for establishing Delhi as the capital and fortifying the dynasty’s administrative and military domains.
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Razia Sultan (1236–1240): As the first and only female monarch of the Delhi Sultanate, Razia Sultan faced numerous challenges, both because of her gender and from contemporary factions. Her reign, although short-lived, is often celebrated for its progressive stance.
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Ghiyas ud din Balban (1266–1287): Known for his strict enforcement of law and order, Balban played a crucial role in strengthening the central authority of the Sultanate and was instrumental in defending the realm against Mongol invasions.
Decline of the Mamluk Dynasty
The reign of weak successors following Balban left the dynasty vulnerable, resulting in its eventual downfall. In 1290, Jalal-ud-din Firuz Khalji overthrew the last Mamluk ruler, ending the dynasty’s reign. This coup marked the beginning of the Khalji Dynasty, another significant era in the history of the Delhi Sultanate.
Legacy of the Mamluk Dynasty
Cultural and Architectural Contributions:
- The Mamluk rulers were great patrons of architecture, and their reign saw the construction of significant monuments such as the Qutub Minar, which was started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish.
Administrative Developments:
- The establishment of proper military and bureaucratic structures laid the groundwork for subsequent sultanates. The utilization of iqta (land grants) as a system of governance was popularized during this era.
Conclusion
In summary, the Mamluk or Slave Dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1206 to 1290, marking a period of significant development in administration, architecture, and military organization in medieval India. Their contributions have had a lasting impact, setting the stage for future dynasties to build upon.
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