Lesson 2/44 min
The Slave dynasty (1206–1290)
The Delhi Sultanate lasted from 1206 to 1526, about 320 years. The first dynasty was the Slave dynasty; its rulers were of Turkic origin, so the period is also called Turkic rule.
Main sultans of the Slave dynasty
| Sultan | Years | To remember |
|---|---|---|
| Qutbuddin Aibak | 1206–1210 | First independent Sultan of Delhi; founder of the dynasty; titled ‘Lakh Baksh’; Ghuri's slave |
| Iltutmish | 1211–1236 | Aibak's son-in-law; real founder of the Sultanate; recognised by the Baghdad caliph in 1229 |
| Sultana Razia | 1236–1240 | Iltutmish's daughter; first Muslim woman on the throne of Delhi |
| Nasiruddin Mahmud | 1246–1266 | Iltutmish's grandson; the ‘Fakir Badshah’ |
| Ghiyasuddin Balban | 1266–1287 | Ruler of the ‘blood and iron’ policy |
More facts
- Iltutmish received the title ‘Sultan-i-Azam’; in his time the band of Turkic nobles called the ‘Forty’ (Bandegan-i-Chehelgan) took shape
- Nasiruddin Mahmud earned his living by copying the Quran and sewing caps
- When Nasiruddin died childless in 1266, Balban took the throne
- Amir Khusrau is called the ‘Parrot of India’
Watch out: Qutb Minar: Aibak began it and Iltutmish finished it. One book says only that Aibak built it.
Memory trick: The line: Ghuri → Aibak (Ghuri's slave) → Iltutmish (Aibak's son-in-law) → Razia (Iltutmish's daughter).
Check yourself
Who was the first Muslim woman on the throne of Delhi?
At a glance
- 1
The Delhi Sultanate lasted from 1206 to 1526, about 320 years.
- 2
Founder of the Slave dynasty: Qutbuddin Aibak (1206–1210), titled ‘Lakh Baksh’.
- 3
Iltutmish (1211–1236) was the real founder of the Sultanate; the caliph recognised him in 1229.
- 4
Sultana Razia (1236–1240) was the first Muslim woman ruler of Delhi.
- 5
Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266–1287) followed the ‘blood and iron’ policy.