The Slave Dynasty

The Slave Dynasty initiated in Delhi in 1193. The Turkish slave of Sultan Muhammad Ghur - Qutb-ud-din Aybak – was the prime figure who invaded the land of India in 1175 and later started the Slave Dynasty in Delhi.

After the assassination of Muhammad Ghur in 1206 Qutb-ud-din Aybak became the sole ruler of Delhi Sultanate. However, the regime of Qutb-ud-din Aybak could not last long and in 1211 he died of a polo accident. Iltutmish, son-in-law of Qutb-ud-din Aybak then became the legal heir to the throne of Delhi under the Slave Dynasty. Iltutmish ruled Delhi from 1211 to 1236 and started the use of jital and tanka coins. Iltutmish, before dying, passed his rights to Raziyya – his daughter.

Raziyya remained the only women ruler of Slave dynasty who ruled Delhi. After Raziyya, Balban became the next ruler of Delhi in 1266 representing the Slave Dynasty. Being known for his cruelties and impartial demeanor, Balban established a centralized government system in Delhi during his rule. In 1287 Balban died and the Slave Dynasty came to an end.

The time period during which the Slave Dynasty ruled the land of Delhi, the middle class Hindu citizens were posted to respectable administrative ranks. However, with the advent of this very Slave Dynasty Buddhism was completely obliterated from India. The Islam religion found a new dimension in India with the coming of the Slave Dynasty in Delhi.

In the history of Delhi the Slave dynasty remained a crucial milestone.