ILTUTMISH

The death of Qutubuddin Aibak in 1210 brought to the forefront the inherent defects of the ill-cemented sultanate. It raised the problem of controlling the ambitious provincial governors and nobles.

Aram Shah: Following the death of Aibak, the Turkish nobles of Lahore who wanted to give the city the status of capital of the Sultanate raised Aram Shah to the throne. According to some historians, Aram Shah was the son of Aibak, where as others were of the opinion that he was a person of obscure origin. However, the nobles of Delhi fearing the eclipse of their importance and loss of the imperial status of Delhi refused to acknowledge Aram Shah as the Sultan. The Turkish nobles of Delhi favored Iltutmish, the slave and son-in-law of Qutub-ud-din Aibak as the next Sultan. Iltutmish accepted the invitation of the nobles of Delhi. Aram Shah who was unwilling to give up his claim was defeated near Delhi.

Shams-ud- din Ittutmish was born to noble Turkish parents of the Ilbari tribe of Central Asia. He was sold as a slave when he was still young. Having served many masters he was finally purchased by Aibak. By virtue of his merit and hardwork, Iltutmish won the confidence and trust of his master. He was appointed as the governor of Badaon. He also married the daughter of Aibak.

Problems faced by Itutmish:-Following his accession Iltutmish found himself in an explosive situation. Apart from the supporters of Aram Shah he had to deal with a number of Turkish amirs (nobles) in Delhi and its neighbourhood. They were unwilling to accept his authority inspite of his victory over Aram Shah. Iltutmish also had to contend with his powerful rivals like Tajuddin Yaldoz and Nasiruddin Qabacha.

In the East, many Turkish nobles and hindu chiefs defied the authority of the Sultan. The Rajput chief, who had been subjugated by Muhammad Guari and Aibak, became rebellious.

The Khilji Govenor of Bengal, Ali Mardan asserted his independence from Delhi. Added to these political problems, Iltutmish had to face certain personal difficulties as well. Technically he had been a slave of Aibak who in turn was a slave of Muhammad Ghori. Thus, Iltutmish was a slave of a slave and freeborn Turks considered it humiliating to submit to him.

Consolidation of authority: - Confronted with these difficulties, Iltutmish faced the situation boldly with a great deal of courage, intelligence, power and determination. Iltutmish proceeded to establish his authority on a sound footing in the surrounding regions of Delhi and Doab. He decided to wipe out any possible challenge to his position and power. In a campaign Lasting for many months, Iltutmish suppressed the Turkish and Hindu chiefs of Delhi, Badaon, Awadh, Varanasi and Tarai region and forced them to accept his sovereignty. With his position secure at Delhi and the surrounding regions, Iltutmish could plan the subjugation of his powerful enemies.

Suppression of Yalduz and Qabacha :-The security of the northwestern frontier was of great importance for the safety of the Delhi Sultante. To acheive this ltutmish had to resist the claims of Yalduz over the Turkish possessions in India and suppress the rising power of Qabacha. He marched against Yalduz and in 1215 AD gave him a crushing defeat in the historic field of Tarain Yalduz was put to death.

Qabacha was the ruler of Uch (Multan) and Sindh. He had also occupied some portion of Punjab. Iltutmish could not tolerate this and, declared war against him, and drove him out of Punjab. Qabacha tried to run for his life but he drowned in the river.

The Mongol scourge - The external danger to Delhi Sultanate chiefly came from the repeated Mongol invasions through the northwestern frontier.  Chenghiz Khan, the dreaded leader of the Mongols advanced as far as the Indus in pursuit of Jalal- ud-din, the fugtive prince of Khiva who sought refuge at the Court of Delhi. Iltutmish refused to comply with the request of this unwelcome guest. Jalaluddin after plundering Sindh and Gujarat fled to Persia. There upon Chenghiz Khan returned + India was spared the horrors of a Mongol invasion.

Annexation of Punjab: - The Khokhars of Punjab had been a source of trouble to Iltutmish. They had supported Mangbarni during his sojourn in Punjab. After a prolonged fight against the Khokars, which lasted for several months, Iltutmish annexed a part of their territory. Besides Lahore, Iltutmish captured Sialkot, Jalandhar and Nandana. He garrisoned the forts with Turkish and Afghan soldiers and they were assigned Khokhar villages as jagirs. The conquest of Punjab aimed at the security of the northern frontiers of the Sultanate.

Suppression of the Khiljis in Bengal: Ali Mardan had declared himself independent. Iltutmish sent an expedition against Khilji. Ghiasuddin submitted and promised to pay a huge tribute.  But as soon as the royal forces returned to Delhi he raised a revolt. This time Iltutmish deputed his son Nasiruddin Mahmud the Governor of Oudh, to march against him. Ali Mardans successor Ghiasuddin was defeated and slain and Bengal was completely subjugated and became part of Delhi Sultanate.

Subjugation of the Rajputs: Taking advantage of the confusion that prevailed in India after the death of Aibak, the Rajput rulers of Gwalior and Ranthambhor asserted their independence and the other rulers also prepared themselves to follow suit. In 1231 A.D. Iltutmish attacked Gwalior. Its ruler Mongol Deve offered a tough resistance. It took about 11 months that Iltutmish was able to conquer Gwalior in 1232 A.D. Within few years Iltutmish also conquered Malwa, Ujjain, Ranthambhor and Mandor. In this way the frontiers of the Muslim empire touched the banks of Narmada. Almost the whole of Northern India was now under the domination of the Delhi Sultan.

Administrative Policy: Prior to Iltutmish, the Turkish state in India was not properly organized. The government was essentially military in nature. The strategic forts were occupied and garrisoned. Every military commander was expected to realize annual tribute from the local hindu chiefs and landlords, if need be by the use of force. The rural masses had no contact with the Turks and so they lacked a sense of loyalty. Realizing these defects, Iltutmish introduced a number of measures to improve this state of affairs and give stability to the Delhi Sultanate.

Group of Forty: Iltutmish realized the need to put the status and dignity of the sovereign beyond anybody's challenge. The Qutbi and the other nobles were unwilling to accept his sovereignty. Iltutmish was convinced that he could command his authority only when the higher officers accepted him. So he organized a group of forty and distributed all high offices among them. This group of forty also known as chahalagni became a new order of nobility that enhanced the prestige of the Sultan. The group of forty became the basis of his power and strength. To give greater stability to the state, Iltutmish selected able persons both foreigners and local inhabitants.

Dispensation of Justice: Iltutmish made adequate provision for dispensing justice promptly and impartially. According to an account of Ibn Battuta, there were statues of two lions at the palace gate bearing chains in their mouths. When someone pulled the chain, a bell rang at the other end. Thus, the aggrieved person could get prompt attention from the royal officials. Amirdads were appointed in all important towns. In the imperial city of Delhi there were a number of Qazis to dispense justice.

The Tanka: Iltutmish was the first Turkish ruler to introduce a purely Arabic coinage. His silver coin called the Tanka weighed 175 grains. It had an Arabic inscription on it. It was meant to replace the former Hindu coins. The issue of the tanka in both gold and silver indicated that the Delhi Sultanate had acquired stability and continuity.

Letter of Investiture: In order to justify his claim to the throne of Delhi Iltutmish secured a letter of investiture from the Abbasid Caliph of Baghdad. Thus Iltutmish was the first legal sovereign of the sultanate and may be described as the real founder of Delhi.

Character and Achievements of Iltutmish.

a) As a Savior of the Muslim Empire in India Ghori and Aibak had laid the foundation of the Muslim empire in India. But it was Iltutmish who preserved the infant empire when it was seriously threatened from all sides. He also added the rich state of Malwa to the Muslim empire.

b) As an administrator: Iltutmish is not only credited to have saved the newly formed Muslim empire but he is also responsible for consolidating it.

c) A clever diplomat: It was because of his diplomacy that after the death of Aibak he succeeded in dethroning Aram Shah and got the Throne for himself. He also received the role of honour from the Khalifa and this succeeded in strengthening his position

d) A patron art and literature: Iltutmish was also a great patron of art + literature. He was a great builder and is credited to have completed the Qutb Minar and Qutabi Masjid. The Qutb Minar still stands and excited our curiosity for its refinement and exceptional beauty. Many scholars and poets of repute like Minhaj-us-Siraj, Ruhani, Usmani, etc., flourished under his patronage. Minhaj wrote his famous Tabqat – i- Nasri which is an important source of information regarding Iltutmish and his times.