Understanding Sijda and Paibos in Delhi Sultanate History

The question asks about the Sultan of Delhi who introduced the system of Sijda and Paibos. These were specific court practices aimed at enhancing the authority and prestige of the Sultan.

What are Sijda and Paibos?

• Sijda: This is a Persian term meaning prostration or kneeling before the sovereign. It was a practice of showing extreme respect and submission.
• Paibos: This term translates to 'kissing the feet'. It involved kissing the feet of the Sultan as a mark of ultimate subservience and respect.

These practices were alien to the traditional Islamic traditions practised by earlier Sultans and were borrowed from the Persian court.

Why were Sijda and Paibos Introduced?

The introduction of Sijda and Paibos was part of a deliberate policy to elevate the status of the Sultan. The Sultan who introduced these believed in the divine right of kingship (Niyabat-i-Khudai), asserting that the Sultan was the representative of God on Earth. By demanding Sijda and Paibos, the Sultan aimed to instil fear and respect among nobles and common people alike, thereby strengthening the monarchy against internal threats and asserting absolute authority.

Identifying the Sultan

Let's examine the options provided:

1. Muhammad Bin Tughluq: Known for various administrative and economic experiments and transfers of capital, but not specifically for introducing Sijda and Paibos.
2. Nasir ud din Muhammad: A relatively weak ruler before Balban's rise, heavily influenced by Balban who served as his deputy (Naib).
3. Ghiyas ud din Balban: Formerly known as Bahauddin, he was the ninth Sultan of the Mamluk dynasty. He was a powerful ruler who implemented strict court discipline and rituals to strengthen the monarchy. He is historically credited with introducing the Persian customs of Sijda and Paibos in the Delhi Sultanate court.
4. Qutb ud-Din Aibak: The founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mamluk dynasty. He ruled much earlier than the period when Sijda and Paibos were introduced by Balban.

Based on historical records, Ghiyas ud din Balban was the Sultan who rigorously enforced these elaborate Persian court ceremonies, including Sijda and Paibos, to enhance the dignity and power of the throne.

Therefore, the Sultan responsible for starting the system of Sijda and Paibos was Ghiyas ud din Balban.

Revision Table: Key Delhi Sultans and Their Contributions

Additional Information on Balban's Reign

Ghiyas ud din Balban's reign was marked by his efforts to restore the prestige and authority of the Sultanate, which had declined after Iltutmish. His theory of kingship was based on two main principles:

• Kingship is a divine institution: The Sultan is the shadow of God (Zill-i-Illahi) and receives his authority directly from God, not from the nobles or the people.
• The Sultan must be an absolute despot: The Sultan's power is absolute, and he must rule with an iron hand (Blood and Iron policy) to maintain law and order and suppress any opposition.

The introduction of Sijda, Paibos, and other court rituals like Nauroz (Persian New Year festival) were all part of this broader strategy to create an awe-inspiring image of the Sultan and consolidate his power.