Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 244

What was the period of rule of Qutb-ud-din Aibak?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the early Delhi Sultanate period.

Correct Answer: A) 1206-1210 A.D.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC, NDA, CDS

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Qutb-ud-din Aibak was a significant figure in the history of the Delhi Sultanate, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent. He was a slave of Muhammad Ghori and later became the first Sultan of Delhi after Ghori's death. Aibak's rule is considered the foundation of the Mamluk dynasty, which was the first of the five dynasties that ruled the Delhi Sultanate.

The Delhi Sultanate was a powerful Islamic empire that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the early 13th century to the early 16th century. The Mamluk dynasty, also known as the Slave dynasty, was the first of these dynasties. Qutb-ud-din Aibak's reign was short but significant, as he laid the groundwork for the subsequent rulers of the Delhi Sultanate.

Qutb-ud-din Aibak's rule began in 1206 A.D. when he was appointed as the governor of Delhi by Muhammad Ghori. After Ghori's death in 1206 A.D., Aibak declared himself the independent ruler of Delhi, thus establishing the Delhi Sultanate. He ruled until his death in 1210 A.D., which marked the end of his reign and the beginning of the rule of his successor, Iltutmish.

It is important to note that the exact dates of historical events can sometimes be a point of confusion, especially when dealing with periods that are several centuries old. However, the period 1206-1210 A.D. is widely accepted as the correct period of Qutb-ud-din Aibak's rule. This period is significant because it represents the transition from the Ghurid Empire to the Delhi Sultanate, a crucial shift in the political landscape of medieval India.

Understanding the historical context and the significance of Qutb-ud-din Aibak's rule is essential for comprehending the broader narrative of the Delhi Sultanate and the subsequent political developments in the Indian subcontinent. The dates of his rule are a key piece of information that helps to place him in the correct historical timeline.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Qutb-ud-din Aibak ruled from 1206 to 1210 A.D., marking the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The period 1208-1212 A.D. does not accurately represent the years of Qutb-ud-din Aibak's rule, which began in 1206 A.D.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The period 1210-1214 A.D. is incorrect as Qutb-ud-din Aibak's rule ended in 1210 A.D., and he did not rule for four years after that.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The period 1220-1225 A.D. is much later than the actual rule of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who ruled from 1206 to 1210 A.D.

Mnemonic: QAD: Qutb-ud-din Aibak, 1206-1210

Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 244 – Practice all questions