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The Delhi Sultanate-I: Slave Dynasty (1206–1290)

The Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, was the first ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate in India. It lasted from 1206 to 1290 CE. The dynasty was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who had been a slave of Muhammad Ghori, the ruler of the Ghurid Empire. After Ghori’s death, Aibak declared himself the ruler of Delhi and laid the foundation of the dynasty.

Key Points about the Slave Dynasty:

  1. Foundation and Early Rulers:

    • The Slave Dynasty was founded by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak in 1206, who was originally a slave of Muhammad Ghori, the ruler of the Ghurid dynasty. After Ghori's death, Aibak became the ruler of Delhi.

    • The dynasty lasted until 1290 and was characterized by rulers who were often former slaves, but they went on to establish powerful rule over large parts of northern India.

  2. Major Rulers:

    • Qutb-ud-Din Aibak (1206–1210): The first ruler and founder of the Slave Dynasty, he is remembered for establishing Delhi as the capital of his empire and starting the construction of the Qutb Minar.

    • Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish (1211–1236): Aibak's successor, who strengthened the Sultanate by consolidating power, repelling Mongol invasions, and securing Delhi as a political and cultural center.

    • Raziya Sultana (1236–1240): The first female monarch of Delhi, though her reign was short, she is known for her efforts to improve administration and promote a more inclusive government.

  3. Cultural Contributions:

    • The Slave Dynasty was instrumental in shaping the early Islamic culture in India. The period saw significant developments in architecture, with the construction of mosques, tombs, and other structures.

    • The construction of Qutb Minar and the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra are among the notable contributions of the period.

  4. Decline of the Dynasty:

    • The decline of the Slave Dynasty began with the reign of Balban (1266–1287), who focused on strengthening the military and the central authority but struggled with internal power struggles.

The dynasty eventually gave way to the Khilji Dynasty in 1290, when Jalal-ud-Din Khilji took over power.

Literature of Slave Dynasty

 

Book

Description

Jawami-ul-Hikayat by Sadidu’d din Muhammad Awfi Bukhari

  • Time period: 13th century
  • Language: Persian
  • Sadidu’d din Muhammad Awfi Bukhari lived during the reign of Iltutmish.

Tabagat-i-Nasiri by Minhaj-i-Siraj

  • The history of the first fifty years of Muslim rule in Bengal is found only in this text.
  • Shamsuddin Iltutmish patronised Minhaj-i-Siraj.
  • Minhaj-i-Siraj discussed the history of Bengal under Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish and his successors.
  • Minhaj-i-Siraj came to the court of Nasiruddin Qubacha at Uchch, who appointed him a Qazi.
  • During his reign, he wrote Tabagat-i-Nasiri and dedicated this to the reigning sultan.

Taj-ul-Maasir by Hasan Nizami

  • Time period: 1229 AD
  • Language: Persian
  • This book is the first official history of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • It starts with the second battle of Tarain.
  • Hasan Nizami arrived in Delhi before the assassination of Muhammad of Ghor in 1206.

Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi by Yahya bin Ahmad bin Abdullah Sarhindi

  • It is a history of India of the sultanate period.
  • The book commences from the reign of Sultan Muizuddin Muhammad bin Sam (Muhammad Ghori) and abruptly ends in 1434.
  • The author was favourably placed in the government circle in the reign of Sultan Mubarak Shah (1421-1434 AD) of the Sayyid dynasty of Delhi.


 

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