The role of Qutubuddin Aibak as the founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
The role of Qutubuddin Aibak as the founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
History of the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
Role of Qutubuddin Aibak as the founder of the Delhi Sultanate:-
Qutubuddin Aibak 1206 - 1210 AD.
Early life:-
Qutubuddin Aibak was born in a tribal family in Turkestan and was a Turk by nationality. But he became a slave at a very young age. When a slave trader brought him to a place called Nishapur, the Qazi of Nishapur bought him and gave him literary, philosophical and military education. But then when the Qazi died, Qutubuddin again became a slave and Muhammad Ghori bought him.
Influence of Muhammad Ghori: -
After Muhammad Ghori bought Qutubuddin as a slave, he got to know his literary and military talent. Impressed by his political and military talent, Muhammad Ghori first appointed him as a common soldier and then appointed him as ''Amir-i-Akhour'' or the chief of the cavalry.
Muhammad Ghori's invasion of India and Qutubuddin's achievements: -
In the first battle of Tarain in 1191 AD and the second battle of Tarain in 1192 AD, Qutubuddin showed ability as a commander. After the battle of Tarain, when Muhammad Ghori left India, the responsibility of his conquered states was entrusted to Qutubuddin.
Conquest and marital relations: -
Between 1192 and 1206 AD, he conquered Hansi, Meerut, Delhi, Varanasi, Ranthambore one by one. Then in 1197 AD and 1198 AD, he conquered Kannauj and Kalinjar. In this way, he established Turkish dominance in a vast area of North India until the death of Muhammad Ghori in 1206 AD.
He also established his marital relations by showing political foresight.
First, he married the daughter of Muhammad Ghori's chief commander, Tajuddin.
Second, he married his sister to Nasiruddin Qabacha, the ruler of Multan.
Third, he married his daughter to Iltutmish.
Ascension to the throne: -
Before his death, Muhammad Ghori had nominated Qutubuddin as the heir to his conquered states in India. After the death of Muhammad Ghori, in 1206 AD, he assumed the title of ''Malik'' and ascended the throne of Delhi at the invitation of the Turkish citizens of Lahore. Then in 1208 AD, the Sultan of Ghazni and the successor of Muhammad Ghori, Ghiyasuddin Mahmud, bestowed the title of ''Sultan'' on Qutubuddin.
Qutubuddin's problems: -
Qutubuddin faced several problems after the establishment of the Sultanate in 1206 AD. The problems were -
(1) Qutubuddin had no legal right to the throne. Because on the one hand he was a slave and on the other hand Muhammad Ghori did not declare him as his direct heir.
(2) Tajuddin claimed his right to the throne of Delhi.
(3) After the death of Muhammad Ghori in 1206 AD, the Rajput rulers and the royal family opposed Qutubuddin.
(4) When Alauddin Muhammad of Central Asia started trying to capture Ghazni and Delhi, an unfavorable situation arose for Qutubuddin.
Various steps to solve the problem:-
Qutubuddin took several steps to solve the above problems. For example -
(1) In 1208 AD, Muhammad Ghori's successor Ghiyasuddin Ghur bestowed the title of 'Sultan' on Qutubuddin. As a result, Qutub was freed from slavery.
(2) He moved against Tajuddin and suppressed him with a harsh hand.
(3) He adopted a policy of isolation and neutrality towards the Rajput royal family.
(4) Re-established the governor of Bengal, Alimardan, in his post.
(5) Established a centralized system of government throughout the empire.
(6) Strengthened military power.
Nature of the government:-
Qutubuddin ruled for only four years. The foundation of his empire was mainly built on military power. He did not make any special reforms in the field of governance. The administration of various regions was vested in local officials. Qutubuddin left the previous revenue system unchanged. In villages and cities, the Muslim governors administered the government with the help of military commanders and qazis. Although Qutubuddin was personally liberal. Therefore, Muslim writers have awarded him the title of ''Lakhbox''.
Dr. Nizami said about Qutubuddin - '' Aibek was a military leader par - excellence .'' Dr. Habibullah said about Qutubuddin's achievements - '' He combined the intrepidity of the Turk with the refined taste and generosity of the Persian . ''
Love for literature, art - culture and architecture :-
Qutubuddin was deeply fond of education and literature. The historian Hasan Nizami received his patronage. Qutubuddin was also deeply fond of architecture. He built a mosque named '' Quat - ul - Islam '' in Delhi. Also, Qutubuddin started the construction of Qutub Minar to pay homage to the famous Sufi saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, named after him.
Finally, many historians do not consider Qutubuddin to be the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate. However, Qutubuddin's contribution in laying the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the sultanate cannot be denied in any way. He started an independent sultanate after being freed from the control of the Ghur kingdom. Dr. Habibullah has claimed that Qutubuddin is the main architect of the Delhi Sultanate.
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