📚 Part of: Delhi Sultanate Mcqs: Medieval Indian History Quiz

Iltutmish is the son-in-law of .....

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: B) Quttubudin Aibak.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, State PSC, NDA, CDS

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

Iltutmish, also known as Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, was a prominent ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and the founder of the Slave Dynasty. He was the son-in-law of Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi, through his marriage to Aibak's daughter, Qutb Bano.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the relationship between Iltutmish and Muhammad Ghori.
  • Not understanding the lineage and succession in the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Misremembering the exact familial relationships among the early sultans.
Explanation:

To understand the relationship between Iltutmish and Qutbuddin Aibak, it is essential to delve into the early history of the Delhi Sultanate. The Delhi Sultanate was a powerful Islamic empire that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the early 13th to the mid-16th century. The Slave Dynasty, which was the first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, was founded by Qutbuddin Aibak, who was a slave of Muhammad Ghori and later became the first Sultan of Delhi after Ghori's death.

Qutbuddin Aibak, also known as Qutb-ud-din Aibak, was a Turkish slave who rose to power through his military prowess and administrative skills. He was appointed as the governor of Delhi by Muhammad Ghori and later became the Sultan of Delhi after Ghori's death. Aibak's reign was marked by the construction of several important architectural monuments, including the Qutub Minar, which is named after him.

Iltutmish, whose full name was Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, was a slave of Qutbuddin Aibak and was later freed and appointed as the governor of Badaun. Iltutmish's rise to power was facilitated by his marriage to Qutbuddin Aibak's daughter, Qutb Bano. This marriage was a strategic alliance that helped Iltutmish consolidate his position within the Delhi Sultanate.

After Qutbuddin Aibak's death, Iltutmish was able to seize power and become the second Sultan of Delhi. He is known for his administrative reforms, military campaigns, and the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate. Iltutmish's reign marked a significant period in the history of the Delhi Sultanate, and his legacy is remembered for his contributions to the consolidation and expansion of the Sultanate.

In summary, Iltutmish was the son-in-law of Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi, through his marriage to Aibak's daughter, Qutb Bano. This familial connection played a crucial role in Iltutmish's rise to power and his eventual succession as the second Sultan of Delhi. Understanding these relationships is essential for comprehending the political dynamics and succession in the early Delhi Sultanate.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. Iltutmish was not the son-in-law of Muhammad Ghori. Muhammad Ghori was the founder of the Ghurid Empire and a conqueror who laid the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate, but he was not directly related to Iltutmish through marriage. The misconception might arise from the fact that both were part of the early Islamic rulers in India.
  • Option B: This option is correct. Iltutmish was indeed the son-in-law of Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi. Aibak married his daughter, Qutb Bano, to Iltutmish, which solidified Iltutmish's position in the Delhi Sultanate. This familial connection was significant in the political landscape of the time.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. It suggests that either Muhammad Ghori or Qutbuddin Aibak could be the correct answer, but historical records clearly indicate that Iltutmish was the son-in-law of Qutbuddin Aibak, not Muhammad Ghori. The confusion might stem from the overlapping historical periods and the influence of both figures on the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. It suggests that neither Muhammad Ghori nor Qutbuddin Aibak is the correct answer, which is false. Qutbuddin Aibak is indeed the correct answer as Iltutmish was his son-in-law. This option might be chosen by those who are unsure of the exact familial relationships among the early sultans.
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