Explanations:The Delhi Sultanate was a significant Islamic empire that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the early 13th to the early 16th century. The establishment of Delhi as the capital of this empire was a crucial step in its development and consolidation of power. Among the early rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, Iltumish, also known as Shams-ud-din Iltumish, was the first to make Delhi his capital.
Iltumish was a slave of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Mamluk dynasty, and later became the Sultan of Delhi after the death of Aibak's son Aram Shah in 1211. He ruled until his death in 1236. During his reign, Iltumish significantly expanded the Delhi Sultanate and established Delhi as a major political and administrative center. He is credited with laying the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate's administrative and military structures, which were further developed by his successors.
One of the key reasons why Iltumish chose Delhi as his capital was its strategic location. Delhi was situated at the crossroads of several important trade routes and was easily defensible due to its geographical features. The city had already been the site of the Qutb Minar, a symbol of Islamic power and influence, which Iltumish further developed and expanded.
It is important to note that while other rulers such as Alauddin Khalji and Balban also played significant roles in the history of the Delhi Sultanate, they did not establish Delhi as the capital. Alauddin Khalji, who ruled from 1296 to 1316, was known for his military conquests and administrative reforms, but he did not initiate the capital's establishment. Balban, who ruled from 1266 to 1287, was a powerful ruler who strengthened the Delhi Sultanate's hold over the region, but he continued the tradition of using Delhi as the capital that Iltumish had established.
Therefore, the correct answer is Iltumish, who was the first to make Delhi the capital of the Delhi Sultanate, setting the stage for the empire's future growth and consolidation.