Concept notes: Qutbuddin Aibak, the founder of the Slave Dynasty and the Delhi Sultanate, was also known as Lakh-Baksh, which means "giver of lakhs." This name was given to him due to his generosity and the large sums of money he distributed among his subjects and soldiers.
Explanation: Qutbuddin Aibak, who ruled from 1206 to 1210 CE, was the founder of the Slave Dynasty and the first Sultan of Delhi. He was originally a slave of the Ghurid Empire and rose to power through his military prowess and administrative skills. After the death of Muhammad Ghori, Aibak took control of the territories in India and established the Delhi Sultanate, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in the subcontinent.
Aibak was known for his generosity, which earned him the title "Lakh-Baksh." The term "Lakh-Baksh" translates to "giver of lakhs," where "lakh" is a unit of measurement in the Indian numbering system, equivalent to 100,000. This name was given to him due to his practice of distributing large sums of money among his soldiers and subjects. His generosity was a significant factor in maintaining loyalty and support among his followers.
It is important to distinguish Qutbuddin Aibak from other historical figures of the period, such as Qabacha, who was a Ghurid general and governor of Multan. Qabacha was not associated with the Delhi Sultanate and did not have any direct connection to Aibak's rule. Therefore, the name Qabacha is not an alternative name for Qutbuddin Aibak.
Understanding the historical context of the Slave Dynasty and the Delhi Sultanate is crucial for comprehending the significance of Qutbuddin Aibak and his contributions to the establishment of Muslim rule in India. His legacy as Lakh-Baksh reflects his role as a generous and effective ruler, which helped in consolidating his power and influence during a critical period in Indian history.