Who were called 'Bandagan' in Persian in Delhi Sultanate?
Military slaves purchased by the Sultan
In the Delhi Sultanate the Persian term 'Bandagan' (singular 'banda', meaning slave or servant) referred to specially purchased and trained military slaves of the Sultan.
These slaves were carefully groomed for high military and administrative posts and owed direct personal loyalty to the ruler rather than to any clan or region.
Sultans such as Iltutmish and Alauddin Khalji deliberately relied on Bandagan to check the power of hereditary nobles, since a slave rose or fell entirely at the Sultan's will.
Aristocrats and nobles formed the free ruling elite, not slaves, so that option is wrong. Landed chieftains appointed as governors (iqta-holders) held land and local power, distinct from purchased slaves.
Religious scholars (ulema) were learned men of the faith and had no connection with the slave institution.
Hence Bandagan were the Military slaves purchased by the Sultan.
Similar Questions
Which of the following rulers mobilise a large standing army in Delhi due to the Mongol invasion, which posed a huge administrative challenge?
I. Alauddin Khalji
II. Muhammad Tughluq
Which contemporary chronicler acknowledged that Raziyya Sultan was more capable than her brothers?
During the Delhi Sultanate period, which one of the following taxes was levied on treasure looted in war?
After the Tughlaqs, which two dynasties ruled Agra until 1526?
Important Questions from Delhi Sultanate
Consider the following statements :
1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince.
2. It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco Da gama reached the Coast of Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Which of the following Sultans died while playing Polo or Chaugan?
In which of the following years did Razia become the Sultan of Delhi?
Which of the following dynasties ruled before the Tughluq Dynasty?
Which Sufi saint was put to death by Jalaluddin Khilji for attempting a rebellion?
