Explanations:The Delhi Sultanate was a period in Indian history when various Muslim dynasties ruled parts of the Indian subcontinent. The Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, was the first of these dynasties. The term "Mamluk" refers to a slave soldier who served the Muslim rulers. The Slave Dynasty was founded by Qutubuddin Aibek, who was himself a slave of Muhammad Ghori. Aibek established the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 and was succeeded by Iltutmish, who was also a slave of Aibek.
Iltutmish, whose original name was Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, was a Turkic slave who rose to become the third Sultan of Delhi. He was known for his administrative reforms and for expanding the territory of the Delhi Sultanate. One of the slaves he owned was Bughra Khan, who later became known as Balban. Balban was a skilled administrator and military leader, and he rose through the ranks to become a powerful minister under Iltutmish and his successors.
After the death of Iltutmish, the Delhi Sultanate faced a period of instability, with several short-lived rulers. Balban, who had been a trusted minister and governor under these rulers, eventually seized power and became the Sultan of Delhi in 1266. He is known for his strong rule and for establishing a centralized administration. Balban's rise from a slave to a powerful ruler is a significant part of the history of the Delhi Sultanate and highlights the social mobility that existed during this period.
Understanding the historical context of the Delhi Sultanate and the roles of different rulers and ministers is crucial for comprehending the political and social dynamics of this period. Balban's relationship with Iltutmish as a slave and his subsequent rise to power is a key element in this narrative.