Understanding Delhi as the Centre of Power

The question asks about the first ruler who chose Delhi as the central seat of his power. To answer this, we need to look at the early period of the Delhi Sultanate.

Early Turkish Rule and Capitals

After the invasions led by Mohammed Ghori, the foundation for Turkish rule in Northern India was laid. However, Mohammed Ghori himself did not make Delhi his primary capital in India. His main base was often in Ghor or Ghazni, and his Indian territories were administered by his deputies.

Following Mohammed Ghori's death, his deputy Qutb-ud-din Aibak established independent rule, marking the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate. However, Qutb-ud-din Aibak initially ruled from Lahore. While Delhi was an important city, Lahore was his capital.

Iltutmish Consolidates Power in Delhi

Qutb-ud-din Aibak was succeeded by Aram Shah, who was quickly challenged and replaced by Iltutmish. Iltutmish was a slave and son-in-law of Qutb-ud-din Aibak. Iltutmish is considered the true consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate. A crucial step in consolidating his power and establishing the sultanate's authority was shifting the capital from Lahore to Delhi.

By making Delhi the capital, Iltutmish not only placed himself in a strategically important location but also elevated the political and administrative significance of the city. This move marked Delhi as the principal centre of power for the Sultanate, a status it largely maintained for centuries.

Other Rulers Mentioned

• Ali Mardan: He was a Khalji noble who ruled in Bengal and was not involved in establishing Delhi as the main capital of the Sultanate.
• Mohammed Ghori: As discussed, his primary base was outside India, and his deputies like Aibak managed the Indian territories.
• Raziya: She was the daughter of Iltutmish and ruled from Delhi. She was a later ruler, not the first to choose Delhi as the capital.

Conclusion

Based on historical accounts, it was Iltutmish who strategically decided to move the capital from Lahore to Delhi, effectively making Delhi the central seat of power for the early Delhi Sultanate.

Revision Table: Early Delhi Sultanate Rulers and Capitals

Additional Information: Significance of Delhi's Location

Delhi's location was crucial for several reasons, which likely influenced Iltutmish's decision to make it the capital:

• Strategic Position: Delhi is located near the Yamuna River and controls the route to the Gangetic plains.
• Historical Importance: Delhi (or nearby areas like Indraprastha) had historical significance, lending legitimacy.
• Geographical Advantage: It provided a more central location compared to Lahore, making administration and defense of the northern Indian territories easier.

By making Delhi the capital, Iltutmish not only secured his reign but also laid the groundwork for Delhi's prominence in the political history of India.