The question asks about the builder of the large reservoir known as Hauz-i-Sultani, located just outside Delhi during the period of the Delhi Sultanate.

Identifying the Builder of Hauz-i-Sultani near Delhi

Hauz-i-Sultani, also historically known as Hauz-i-Shamsi, was a major water infrastructure project undertaken during the early Delhi Sultanate period. Such large reservoirs were crucial for supplying water to the growing population of Delhi and its surrounding areas, especially considering the climatic conditions.

Historical sources attribute the construction of this significant reservoir to one of the prominent rulers of the Slave Dynasty (also known as the Mamluk Dynasty).

• Nasiruddin Mahmud: Nasiruddin Mahmud was a later ruler of the Slave Dynasty, son of Iltutmish. While he ruled, he is not primarily credited with building this specific large reservoir.
• Sultan Iltutmish: Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish was a key figure in consolidating the Delhi Sultanate after Qutb-ud-din Aibak. He is widely credited with undertaking numerous construction projects, including mosques, minarets (completing the Qutb Minar), and importantly, large water reservoirs like Hauz-i-Sultani. The name "Hauz-i-Shamsi" itself suggests a connection to Shams-ud-din Iltutmish.
• Qutb-ud-din Aibak: Qutb-ud-din Aibak was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate but ruled for a short period. While he initiated the Qutb Minar and built the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Hauz-i-Sultani is not attributed to him.
• Ghiyas-ud-din Balban: Balban was another powerful ruler of the Slave Dynasty, known for strengthening the central administration and military. His reign focused more on consolidating power and security rather than large-scale water projects like Hauz-i-Sultani, which predates his rule.

Based on historical accounts, the construction of the Hauz-i-Sultani reservoir is definitively attributed to Sultan Iltutmish. This reservoir played a vital role in the water supply of Delhi for centuries.

Conclusion on Hauz-i-Sultani's Builder

The evidence strongly indicates that Sultan Iltutmish was the ruler responsible for constructing the large Hauz-i-Sultani reservoir outside Delhi. His reign was marked by significant consolidation of the Sultanate and development of infrastructure.

Revision Table: Delhi Sultanate Waterworks

Additional Information: Water Management in Delhi Sultanate

Water management was a critical aspect of urban planning during the Delhi Sultanate. With the expansion of the city and increasing population, ensuring a reliable water supply was essential for sustenance and development. Rulers invested in building large tanks (hauz) and canals to collect rainwater and channel water, demonstrating an understanding of hydraulic engineering.

• These reservoirs often served multiple purposes: providing drinking water, irrigation, and regulating the local climate.
• The construction and maintenance of these water bodies were considered acts of piety and good governance.
• Hauz-i-Sultani is an example of such a project that highlights the foresight of early Delhi Sultans like Iltutmish in establishing essential urban infrastructure.