Iltutmish (1211 - 1236 AD) - Important Ruler of Mamluk Dynasty - Medieval India History Notes
Iltutmish was the first Muslim ruler to rule from Delhi and that's why he was regarded as the effective founder of the Delhi Sultanate. He was also the first Sultan of India to be recognised by the Khalifa. He was successful in protecting Delhi's throne from Mongol invasion as well as Yeldoz and Qubacha attacks. He shattered the Rajput powers in the north and established his dominance over them. He made his rule hereditary, issued coins in his honour, and made Delhi a beautiful capital. He was a patron of art and architecture and built numerous mosques in Delhi. In this article, we will discuss the Important Ruler of the Mamluk Dynasty Iltutmish (1211 - 1236 AD) which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.
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Iltutmish (1211 - 1236 AD) - Background
- Iltutmish was a slave of the Sultan of Delhi, Qutubuddin Aibek.
- His father was a high-ranking noble of the Turkish Ilbari tribe.
- He was eventually purchased at a phenomenal price by Qutubuddin Aibek in Delhi.
- Iltutmish received a good education and a broad knowledge of the Islamic world during the early days of his hardship.
- That is why, within a decade, he rose to become amir-e-shikar and son-in-law of his master.
- Soon, he became governor of the iqtas of Gwalior and Baran (Bulandshahar).
- In 1206, he was one of Aibek's most dependable lieutenants, commanding Badaun.
- The Turkish nobility of Delhi did not support Aram Shah's hereditary succession as he was an inept and unpopular ruler.
- They invited Iltutmish of Badaun to succeed them as Sultan.
- Aram Shah refused to abdicate but was defeated and dethroned in 1211 by Iltutmish.
Achievements and Expansion of Empire
Defeat of Yildiz
- Taj al-Din Yildiz, a former slave who claimed to be the rightful successor to the Ghurid emperor, ruled the Ghurid capital of Ghazni.
- Yildiz declared to Iltutmish that he was the true successor of Mu'izz ad-Din and thus had claims to the former Ghurid territories in India.
- Iltutmish offered to negotiate if both men arrived at the meeting unaccompanied by warriors.
- Yildiz refused the offer, resulting in a battle at Tarain on January 25, 1216, which Iltutmish won.
- Yildiz was later taken to Iltutmish's stronghold of Badaun and murdered.
- The success of Iltutmish in this conflict bolstered the Delhi Sultanate's independence.
Defeat of Qabacha
- Qabacha was another serious threat to Iltutmish rule.
- However, his power had been reduced by the simultaneous attacks of Yeldoz and Mangabarni.
- Taking the advantage of his situation, Iltutmish decided to launch an all-out assault on Qabacha
- He dispatched two armies, one from Lahore to attack Multan and the other from Delhi to invade Uch.
- During the capture of Uch, Qabacha sought refuge in the fort of Bhakkar, which was besieged by the Delhi Army.
- Finally, with no other options, he committed suicide by drowning in the Indus River. As a result, Sind and Multan were absorbed into the Delhi Sultanate's empire.
Annexation of Bihar and Bengal
- During the reign of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, province Bengal was under the authority of the Delhi Sultan.
- However, after the death of Aibak, Bengal declared independence.
- Iltutmish, on the other hand, was preoccupied with the western frontier provinces and had no time to devote to Bengal.
- Soon after the death of Qabacha, he considered invading Bengal and sent an expedition to Bengal.
- Sultan Ghiyasuddin was the ruler of Bengal at the time.
- Sultan Ghiyasuddin submitted without a fight, acknowledged Delhi's suzerainty, and agreed to pay the annual tribute.
- But, within a short time, Ghiyasuddin revolted once more and declared Bengal independent.
- Iltutmish sent another expedition and killed Sultan Ghiyasuddin and made Nasiruddin Mahmud as governor of Bengal.
- Following Nasiruddin's departure, there was another rebellion in Bengal led by Malik Balka Khalji.
- In 1230 AD, Iltutmish personally went to Bengal and killed Malik Balkha Khalji, and annexed Bengal to the Delhi Empire.
Other Conquests of Iltutmish
- Iltutmish re-annexed many states which declared independence after the death of Aibak such as Ranthambore, Gwalior, Ajmer, Bayana, Jalor, Mander Kalinjar, Thangir.
- In 1231 AD, Kanauj and Benaras were reoccupied.
- He annexed Malwa and Ujjain to his empire in 1239 A.D.
- As a result, Iltutmish expanded the Turkish empire in India to the size it was during Aibak's reign.
Architecture During Iltutmish’s Reign
- Iltutmish was a patron of art and architecture and built numerous mosques, waterworks and civic amenities in Delhi.
- He finished the Qutb Minar, which Qutb al-din Aibak had begun.
- He also built the Hauz-i-Shamsi reservoir south of Qutub Minar, as well as the madrasa (school) that surrounds it.
- He constructed several khanqah (monasteries) and dargahs (graveyards) for Sufi saints.
- He began construction on Hamid ud-din’s Khanaqa and built the Gandhak ki Baoli, a stepwell for the Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, who moved to Delhi during his reign.
- In 1231, he erected the Sultan Ghari funerary monument in memory of his eldest son Nasiruddin, who died two years earlier
Death of Iltutmish
- As a result of continuous military operations, Iltutmish became ill in 1235 AD.
- During his last expedition against Bayana, he became ill and was immediately brought to Delhi for treatment.
- But he could not recover from such illness, and after a year of struggling with life, he breathed his last in 1236.
- He was laid to rest in Mehrauli's Qutub complex.
- With his death, the country lost a great ruler, and the long twenty-five-year glorious reign of the Delhi Sultanate came to an end.
Conclusion
Iltutmish established the Turks' absolute kingship in northern India. He was a military dictator similar to Aibek, but with the difference that all power was concentrated in his own hands. He personally appointed all central ministers and regional military governors. He forbade the Turkish nobility from interfering in state affairs beyond certain limits. He completed the Qutub Minar and rejoiced in his association with the sufi saints of the time. During his last expedition against Bayana, he became ill and after a year of struggle with life, he breathed his last in 1236.
FAQs
Question: What were the major achievements of Iltutmish?
Answer: Iltutmish is known for consolidating the Delhi Sultanate, introducing the Silver Tanka as currency, and gaining legitimacy through an investiture from the Abbasid Caliph. He also implemented important administrative reforms and expanded the Sultanate’s territory.
Question: Why was Iltutmish’s introduction of the Silver Tanka significant?
Answer: The introduction of the Silver Tanka by Iltutmish provided the Sultanate with a standardized currency, which stabilized the economy and facilitated trade across the region.
Question: How did Iltutmish consolidate his power after becoming Sultan?
Answer: After becoming Sultan, Iltutmish defeated his rivals, including Qutb-ud-din Aibak's successors and other rebellious nobles, expanding his territory to include Bengal, Sindh, and Rajasthan, and securing the Delhi Sultanate’s dominance in North India.
Question: What role did Iltutmish play in shaping the future of the Delhi Sultanate?
Answer: Iltutmish's reforms, military victories, and consolidation of power laid a strong foundation for future rulers. His grooming of his daughter, Razia Sultan, as his successor also marked a significant moment in the history of the Delhi Sultanate.
Question: How did Iltutmish secure recognition from the Abbasid Caliphate?
Answer: Iltutmish gained formal recognition from the Abbasid Caliphate, which legitimized his rule and strengthened his position as a ruler within the Islamic world.
MCQs
1. Which currency was introduced by Iltutmish that became the standard currency of the Delhi Sultanate?
A. Gold Mohur
B. Silver Tanka
C. Copper Jital
D. Both B and C
Answer: (D) See the Explanation
Iltutmish introduced both the Silver Tanka and Copper Jital as standard currencies of the Delhi Sultanate. These coins stabilized the economy and facilitated trade.
2. Iltutmish is recognized as a significant ruler of the Delhi Sultanate for which of the following reasons?
A. He was the first Muslim ruler of India
B. He introduced the iqta system
C. He expanded the Sultanate’s territory to include Bengal
D. Both B and C
Answer: (D) See the Explanation
Iltutmish expanded the Delhi Sultanate’s territory to include Bengal, Sindh, and Rajasthan. He also introduced the iqta system, a significant administrative reform that assigned land to nobles in exchange for military service.
3. Iltutmish received formal recognition from which of the following?
A. The Mughal Emperor
B. The Abbasid Caliph
C. The Ottoman Sultan
D. The Byzantine Emperor
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Iltutmish secured formal recognition and investiture from the Abbasid Caliph, which enhanced his legitimacy as a ruler within the Islamic world.
4. Who did Iltutmish groom to succeed him as the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
A. Balban
B. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
C. Razia Sultan
D. Alauddin Khilji
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Iltutmish groomed his daughter, Razia Sultan, to succeed him as the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, making her one of the first female rulers in the Islamic world.
5. Which of the following areas was NOT conquered by Iltutmish?
A. Bengal
B. Sindh
C. Gujarat
D. Rajasthan
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Iltutmish successfully conquered Bengal, Sindh, and Rajasthan. However, Gujarat was not among the territories he annexed during his reign.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Discuss the role of Iltutmish in consolidating the Delhi Sultanate and his contributions to the administrative structure of medieval India.
Answer: Iltutmish played a critical role in consolidating the Delhi Sultanate during his reign from 1211 to 1236 AD. After securing the throne, he expanded the Sultanate’s territory to include regions like Bengal, Sindh, and Rajasthan, solidifying the Sultanate's power in North India.
One of his key contributions was the introduction of the Silver Tanka and Copper Jital, which established a standardized currency and stabilized the economy. Additionally, Iltutmish reformed the administrative structure of the Sultanate by introducing the iqta system, which delegated land to nobles in exchange for military service.
His recognition from the Abbasid Caliph gave his rule religious legitimacy, enhancing his stature in the Islamic world. Furthermore, Iltutmish's decision to groom his daughter, Razia Sultan, as his successor was a progressive step, though her reign faced significant opposition. Overall, Iltutmish laid the foundation for future rulers of the Delhi Sultanate through his military, economic, and administrative reforms.
Q2: Analyze the significance of Iltutmish’s introduction of the Silver Tanka in the economic history of medieval India.
Answer: The introduction of the Silver Tanka by Iltutmish was a significant economic reform in the history of medieval India. Prior to his reign, there was a lack of a standardized currency, which hindered trade and economic stability in the Sultanate. By introducing the Silver Tanka as a standardized currency, Iltutmish not only stabilized the economy but also facilitated trade across the expanding territories of the Delhi Sultanate.
The Copper Jital, which he introduced alongside the Silver Tanka, was used for smaller transactions, ensuring that all sections of society could engage in trade. This reform provided the Sultanate with a solid economic base and increased the prosperity of the empire. The Tanka continued to be the standard currency for centuries, influencing the monetary policies of future sultans.
Q3: Evaluate the military and administrative strategies employed by Iltutmish in expanding and securing the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer: Iltutmish employed a combination of military conquests and administrative reforms to expand and secure the Delhi Sultanate. Militarily, he successfully consolidated power by defeating rival factions and extending the Sultanate's territory to include Bengal, Sindh, and Rajasthan. His strategic use of military campaigns helped establish dominance in these regions, ensuring the Sultanate’s territorial integrity.
On the administrative front, Iltutmish introduced the iqta system, which became a key feature of the Sultanate's governance. By assigning land (iqta) to nobles in exchange for military service, Iltutmish ensured the loyalty of the nobility while maintaining control over the provinces.
Previous Year Questions on Iltutmish
1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2017
Question: Which of the following rulers introduced the Silver Tanka as a standard currency in the Delhi Sultanate?
- A. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- B. Iltutmish
- C. Balban
- D. Alauddin Khilji
Answer: B
Explanation: Iltutmish was the first ruler to introduce the Silver Tanka as the standard currency of the Delhi Sultanate. This reform was crucial in stabilizing the Sultanate’s economy and facilitating trade across the region.
2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 1)
Question: Discuss the role of Iltutmish in consolidating the Delhi Sultanate and his contributions to the administrative and economic framework.
Explanation: Iltutmish played a pivotal role in consolidating the Delhi Sultanate during his reign from 1211 to 1236 AD. His military campaigns secured the Sultanate’s dominance over regions such as Bengal, Sindh, and Rajasthan.
Administratively, Iltutmish introduced the iqta system, assigning land to nobles in exchange for military service. Economically, he introduced the Silver Tanka and Copper Jital, which became the standard currency, stabilizing the economy and enhancing trade. Iltutmish’s leadership laid a strong foundation for the Delhi Sultanate, ensuring its future stability and success.
3. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019
Question: Which of the following was a significant achievement of Iltutmish during his reign?
- A. Building the Qutub Minar
- B. Establishing the iqta system
- C. Expelling the Mongols from India
- D. Conquering the Deccan region
Answer: B
Explanation: One of Iltutmish’s most significant achievements was the establishment of the iqta system, a land revenue system where land was assigned to nobles in exchange for military service. This system became an integral part of the Delhi Sultanate's administration.
4. UPSC CSE Mains 2016 (GS Paper 1)
Question: Analyze the significance of Iltutmish’s reign in shaping the political and military structure of the Delhi Sultanate.
Explanation: Iltutmish’s reign was a turning point in the consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate. He successfully defeated rival claimants to the throne and expanded the Sultanate’s territory to include Bengal, Sindh, and Rajasthan. Militarily, Iltutmish reorganized the army and strengthened the Sultanate’s defenses.
Politically, he secured recognition from the Abbasid Caliph, which legitimized his rule. His introduction of the iqta system helped ensure the loyalty of the nobles while providing a stable administrative framework. Iltutmish’s reign laid the foundation for future rulers of the Sultanate and ensured its survival for the next few centuries.
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