Mamluk Dynasty [1206-1290]: Comprehensive Study Material for UPSC PSC

Table of Contents

Introduction: Mamluk Dynasty

The Mamluk Dynasty, also known as the Slave Dynasty, marked the inception of the Delhi Sultanate in the Indian subcontinent. Established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave of Turkic origin, in 1206 CE, the dynasty lasted for nearly a century until 1290 CE.

The reign of the Mamluk Dynasty was characterized by a series of military conquests, administrative reforms, and the consolidation of Muslim rule in North India.

One of the most enduring legacies of the Mamluk Dynasty was the construction of several iconic monuments, including the Qutub Minar in Delhi, which stands as a testament to their architectural patronage and cultural influence.

However, internal strife, succession disputes, and external threats from neighboring kingdoms ultimately contributed to the decline of the Mamluk Dynasty. In 1290 CE, the last ruler of the dynasty, Kayumars, was overthrown by Jalal-ud-din Khilji, marking the end of their rule and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Delhi Sultanate.

Important Points: Mamluk Dynasty

The Mamluk Dynasty, also known as the Slave Dynasty, was the first Muslim dynasty to rule over Delhi and much of North India.
The term “Mamluk” means “owned” or “slave” in Arabic.
The rulers of the dynasty, including Aibak, were originally slaves who were bought, trained, and later freed by their owners. These slave soldiers often proved to be loyal and capable commanders and were assigned high-ranking military and administrative duties.
It was founded by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, a slave of Muhammad Ghori, after Ghori’s assassination in 1206 AD.
The dynasty lasted from 1206 to 1290 AD, and it laid the foundation for several subsequent Islamic dynasties in India.

Mamluk Dynasty Rulers

Qutb-ud-din Aibak: Mamluk Dynasty Founder

Qutub-ud-Din Aibak was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
Qutub-ud-Din Aibak was a general of Muhammad Ghori.
After the victory in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192, Muhammad Ghori appointed Aibak as his representative of his Indian territories.
Historian Minhaj-i-Siraj mentioned Aibak was known as lakh-bakhsh for his generosity.
Qutb-ud-din Aibak initiated the construction of the Qutub Minar was initiated by in 1199, and it was completed by his successor Iltutmish.
He died in 1210 while playing chovgan (a form of polo on horseback) in Lahore.
After his death, the Maliks and Amirs stationed at Lahore appointed Aram Shah as his successor.
His tomb is located in Lahore.

Campaigns of Qutub-ud-Din Aibak	Result
Second Battle of Tarain (1192)	He was assigned the former Chahamana territory by Ghori.
Battle of Chandawar (1194)	Fought between the Ghurid forces under the command of Qutb-ud-Din Aibak and Jaichand of the Gahadavala dynasty. decisive victory for the Ghurids
Battle of Kasahrada (1197)	Fought between the Ghurid forces led by Qutubuddin Aibak and the Rajput forces led by Chaulukya ruler Bhima. Victory for Ghurid

Iltutmish: The Consolidator of the Mamluk Dynasty

Shams Ud-Din Iltutmish was the first sovereign Sultan to rule from Delhi.
Among the Sultans of Delhi, Iltutmis was the first to receive official recognition from the Caliph of Baghdad. In 1219 AD, the Caliph’s envoys came to Delhi and recognized him as the Sultan of Delhi.
He introduced the silver coin ‘Tanka’ and the copper coin ‘Jital’.
He divided his empire into Iqtas, which were assigned to the nobles and officers instead of salary.
Before his death, Iltumis nominated his daughter Razia as his heir, because he considered sons unfit to carry the responsibilities of the empire.

Razia Sultana: First Female Ruler of the Mamluk Dynasty

Razia Sultana became the Sultan of Delhi in 1236 AD after the death of her father, Sultan Iltutmish.
She was the first female monarch to rule Delhi and one of the very few in the Islamic world.
Her ascension to power faced opposition from some factions within the nobility who were not accustomed to being ruled by a woman. However, she managed to assert her authority and quell internal rebellions.
Razia Sultana used to dress as a man when appearing in the royal court.

Nasiruddin Mahmud

Nasiruddin Mahmud (a younger son (or grandson) of Iltutmis) succeeded the throne on the nomination of the Umrahs.
During his reign, Balban became the de facto ruler of the empire. In 1249, Balban formally assumed the post of Sultan’s Representative (‘Nayeb-i-Mamlikat‘).

Ghiyasuddin Balban and the Chahalgani

Ghiyasuddin Balban was an Ilbari-Turk.
He was the slave of Iltutmish.
Balban installed Nasiruddin Mahmud as Sultan and he handled the state affairs during his reign.
Balban belonged to Turkan-e-Chahalgani, the group of 40 Turkic slaves of Iltutmish.
He disbabded the Turkan-e-Chihalgani.
His reign marked a period of centralization and consolidation of power.
He declared himself to be a successor of Afrasiyab, an Iranian warrior.
He maintained that kingship was the Niyabat-i-Khudai (gift from God) and took the title Jil-i-Ilahi (shadow of God on Earth).
He introduced some Sijda (prostration) and Paibos (Kissing of feet) in his court.
The Iranian festival of Nauroz or New Year was celebrated in the court.
The Mewati Rajputs plundered the country and had made life, property and trade unsafe in the Doab. To deal with these elements Balban adopted a policy of Blood and Iron.
suppression of the Bengal revolt.

Muizuddin Qaiqabad

Muizuddin Qaiqabad was the Sultan of Delhi from 1286 to 1290.
He was the son of Bughra Khan, the Independent Sultan of Bengal, and the grandson of Balban.
Muiz ud din Qaiqabad’s reign lasted for four years until his murder in 1290, by a Khalji noble.