Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 173

Who did Qutbuddin Aibak serve as a general?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline of Qutbuddin Aibak's military career.

Correct Answer: C) Mohammad Ghori.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Qutbuddin Aibak, often referred to as the "Lakh Baksh" (Giver of Lakhs), was a significant figure in the early history of the Delhi Sultanate. He served as a general under Mohammad Ghori, who was a prominent ruler of the Ghurid Empire. Mohammad Ghori, also known as Mu'izz al-Din Muhammad, was a powerful ruler who sought to expand his empire into India. Aibak played a crucial role in this expansion, particularly in the conquest of Delhi and Ajmer.

Qutbuddin Aibak was originally a slave of Mohammad Ghori, who recognized his military prowess and appointed him as a general. Aibak's military campaigns under Ghori were instrumental in establishing a foothold in northern India. After Ghori's death, Aibak took over the administration of the Indian territories and eventually became the first Sultan of Delhi, founding the Mamluk dynasty.

It is important to understand the historical context and the timeline of these events. Mahmud of Ghazni, who ruled in the early 11th century, was an earlier invader of India and did not have Qutbuddin Aibak as a general. Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who ruled in the 14th century, was a much later ruler and did not have Aibak as a general either. Iltutmish, who succeeded Aibak, was a different ruler who came after Aibak's reign.

Therefore, the correct answer is that Qutbuddin Aibak served as a general under Mohammad Ghori, who was his master and the ruler under whom he gained significant military experience and eventually laid the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. Mahmud of Ghazni was an earlier ruler who invaded India multiple times, but Qutbuddin Aibak served under Mohammad Ghori, who came later.
  • Option B: Incorrect. Muhammad bin Tughlaq was a later ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and did not have Qutbuddin Aibak as a general.
  • Option C: Correct. Qutbuddin Aibak served as a general under Mohammad Ghori, who was his master and the ruler under whom he gained significant military experience.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Iltutmish was a successor to Qutbuddin Aibak and did not have him as a general; rather, Aibak was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate.

Mnemonic: Qutbuddin Aibak served under Mohammad Ghori, who was his master.

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