Delhi Sultanate: Slave Dynasty

Iltutmish (1211-36 AD) was the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate. Before this, Aibak ruled from Lahore. He is said to have introduced first Arabic silver (175 grain) and copper currency which were two basic coins of the sultanate period. In 1229, Iltutmish got recognition as the Muslim Sultan of India by the Caliph of Baghdad. Iltutmish, after that, assumed the title of 'Amir-ul-Mommini' or 'Commander of the faithful' and had the name of Khalifa inscribed on his coins. This was a great achievement of his life.

Iltutmish shifted his capital from Lahore to Delhi. He was the first Sultan of the Sultanate to shift his capital.

Iltutmish was the first Sultan of Delhi who received the investiture from Caliph. In 1229 A.D. the Caliph of Baghdad, Al-Muntasir Billah, bestowed on Iltutmish the titles of "Sultan-i-Azam" or the Sultan The Great. Thus, in this way, he was the first legally independent Sultan of Delhi. He was successful in keeping the throne of Delhi safe from the danger of Mongol invasion as well as from the attacks of both Taj al-Dim Yildoiz also spelled Yilduzm Yildoz and Qubacha. He broke up the Rajput powers in the north and established his supremacy over them. He made his rule hereditary, issued coins with his name and made Delhi a beautiful capital. He is said to have introduced first Arabic silver (175 gm) and copper currency which were two basic coins of the sultanate period. Iltutmish belonged to the tribe of Ilbari' in the Eurasian Steppe of Turkestan. Iltutmish was first appointed governor of Badaun in recognition of his sevices during the campaign of Muhammad of Ghur against the Koakhars in 1205-06. Amirali Ismail invited Iltutmish for the coronation in Delhi with the approval of Turkish nobles after the death of Aybak. Iltutmish declared himself Sultan in 1211 A.D.

During the period of Iltutmish, in 1229 A.D. the Caliph of Baghdad gave khillat to Iltutmish. Now the Sultanate was theoretically became part of Dar-ul-Islam subject to the caliph of Baghdad.

Iltutmish is called 'A Slave of a Slave' because Qutbuddin Aibak was the slave of Mohd. Ghori who become Sultan after Aibak who later married the daughter of Qutb-uddin Aibak and became Sultan.

In the given options, Malik Altunia was not the rival of Iltutmish. His main rivals included Tajuddin Yeldoz in Gazhani, Nasiruddin Kubacha in Sindh and Ali Mardan in Lakhnauti. Iltutmish was slave of Qutbuddin Aibak and after Aramshah death took control of Delhi Sultanate as independent ruler.

Raziyya Sultan, who reigned from 1236 to 1240 A.D., had the unique distinction of being the only woman to occupy the throne of Delhi Sultanate. She was the first female ruler of Delhi Sultanate. The Turkish nobles were reluctant to accept a woman as their ruler, especially when she challenged their power.

Mongol invader Genghs Khan came through the northwest frontier of India during the reign of Iltutmish. Chasing son of the ruler of Dhawarizm Shah Jalaluddin Mingburni, Genghis khan  reached the bank of Indus river. Jalal-ud-din-Mingburni sought refuge from Iltutmish. Iltutmish dared not risk the invasion by a dangerous and furious invader like Genghis. So, he prudently refused to give asylum to the Mingburni. Mongol invasion trouble also went back with Prince Mingburni in 1224 AD.