Explanations:The Delhi Sultanate was a period of Muslim rule in India that lasted from the 13th to the 16th century. During this time, the administration of the Sultanate was heavily dependent on the abilities of its governors and administrators. One of the key figures in this period was Iltutmish, who ruled from 1211 to 1236 CE. Iltutmish was known for his administrative reforms and his reliance on a group of trusted slaves, known as Bandagan, to hold important political offices.
The Bandagan were a group of slaves who were personally loyal to Iltutmish and were appointed to high-ranking positions within the administration. This practice was significant because it allowed Iltutmish to place individuals he trusted in positions of power, thereby ensuring loyalty and control over the administration. The appointment of slaves to such important roles was a departure from the traditional practice of appointing nobles from established families, which led to a significant shift in the power dynamics within the Sultanate.
The appointment of slaves to high-ranking positions also created a new class of nobility, which came into conflict with the old nobility. The old nobility, consisting of established families and traditional elites, felt threatened by the rise of the new nobility, which included the Bandagan. This conflict between the old and new nobility was a significant factor in the political instability that characterized the Delhi Sultanate.
Therefore, both statements are correct. Iltutmish did appoint his special slaves, the Bandagan, to important political offices, and this practice did become a root cause of the conflict between the old and new nobility. Understanding these administrative practices and the resulting conflicts is crucial for comprehending the political dynamics of the Delhi Sultanate.