Explanation: 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 was originally a slave of the Turkic ruler, Qazi Syed Fakhr-ud-din, who was a minister in the court of the Ghurid Sultan, Mohammad Ghori. Mohammad Ghori, also known as Mu'izz-ud-Din Muhammad, was a powerful ruler who expanded the Ghurid Empire into India, defeating several Rajput kingdoms and establishing a strong foothold in the region.
Qutbuddin Aibak served as a general under Mohammad Ghori, playing a crucial role in the military campaigns that led to the establishment of Ghurid control over parts of northern India. After Mohammad Ghori's death in 1206, Qutbuddin Aibak took over the administration of Delhi and later declared himself the Sultan, marking the beginning of the Slave Dynasty, the first of the Delhi Sultanates.
The Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, was so named because its rulers were originally slaves who rose to power. Qutbuddin Aibak's rise from a slave to a Sultan is a testament to the fluidity of social structures in medieval India, where merit and loyalty could lead to significant power and influence.
Understanding the historical context of Qutbuddin Aibak's service under Mohammad Ghori is essential for comprehending the early phases of the Delhi Sultanate. It highlights the complex interplay of military conquest, administrative skill, and personal loyalty that characterized the transition from the Ghurid Empire to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
In summary, Qutbuddin Aibak served as a general under Mohammad Ghori, who was a key figure in the expansion of the Ghurid Empire into India. This relationship is crucial for understanding the origins of the Delhi Sultanate and the establishment of the Slave Dynasty.