Identifying the Founder of the Slave Dynasty

The question asks to identify the individual who was a slave of Muhammad Ghori and became the ruler after Ghori's death, subsequently founding the Slave Dynasty. This period marks the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate in India.

Analysis of Options for Slave Dynasty Founder

Let's look at the options provided:

• Qutub-ud-din Aibak: Known to be a trusted slave and general of Muhammad Ghori. He played a crucial role in Ghori's conquests in India. After Ghori's death, he declared independence and established his rule.
• Iltutmish: He was also a slave, initially of Qutub-ud-din Aibak, and later became Aibak's son-in-law and successor. He is considered a significant ruler who consolidated the Slave Dynasty and the Delhi Sultanate.
• Ghiyas ud din Balban: A prominent later ruler of the Slave Dynasty. He served earlier rulers before ascending the throne. He was a powerful figure who strengthened the Sultanate's administration and military.
• Nasir-ud-din Mahmud: A grandson of Iltutmish. He was a weak ruler, and Balban served as his regent before eventually succeeding him.

Based on historical records, Qutub-ud-din Aibak fits the description of being Muhammad Ghori's slave who founded the Slave Dynasty after his master's death.

Qutub-ud-din Aibak: Muhammad Ghori's Slave and Founder

Qutub-ud-din Aibak was a Turkic slave who rose through the ranks in the service of Muhammad Ghori. Ghori, a ruler from the Ghurid dynasty, invaded and conquered significant parts of northern India in the late 12th century. Aibak proved to be a loyal and capable general and administrator, managing the conquered territories in India on behalf of Ghori.

After Muhammad Ghori's death in 1206 CE, without a direct heir in India, Aibak seized the opportunity to establish his own independent rule. He founded a new dynasty, which came to be known as the Slave Dynasty (or Mamluk Dynasty) because its rulers, including Aibak himself, had originated as slaves. This event marked the effective beginning of the Delhi Sultanate, with Delhi eventually becoming the capital under his successors.

Establishment of the Slave Dynasty in Delhi Sultanate

The Slave Dynasty was the first of the dynasties that ruled the Delhi Sultanate. While Aibak founded the dynasty and is considered the first Sultan of Delhi, his reign was relatively short. It was his successor, Iltutmish, who is often credited with truly consolidating the Sultanate and establishing its administrative structure firmly in Delhi. Balban, another prominent ruler from this dynasty, further strengthened the state.

Key Figures in the Slave Dynasty's Beginning

The early rulers were connected through servitude:

• Qutub-ud-din Aibak: Slave of Muhammad Ghori, founder of the dynasty.
• Iltutmish: Slave of Aibak, his son-in-law and successor, considered the real consolidator.
• Balban: A later prominent ruler of the dynasty.

Revision Table: Key Figures and Roles in the Early Delhi Sultanate

Additional Information on the Slave Dynasty and Delhi Sultanate

The term "Slave Dynasty" or "Mamluk Dynasty" refers to the fact that its founders were originally slaves who rose to positions of power and military command under their masters. This was a common system in the Islamic world, where loyal and capable slaves (Mamluks) were preferred for military and administrative roles over hereditary nobles, to ensure loyalty to the Sultan. When their master died, some of these Mamluks were able to establish their own independent kingdoms. The Delhi Sultanate, established by Aibak, lasted for over 300 years, ruled by various dynasties including the Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, and Lodis, before being conquered by the Mughals.