Explanations:The Delhi Sultanate was a significant period in the history of India, marking the establishment of Islamic rule in the subcontinent. The Delhi Sultanate began with the conquests of Muhammad Ghori, a ruler from the Ghurid dynasty, who expanded his empire into northern India in the late 12th century. After Ghori's conquests, he needed a capable administrator to oversee the newly acquired territories in India. This is where Qutbuddin Aibak comes into the picture.
Qutbuddin Aibak, originally a slave of Ghori, rose through the ranks to become one of his most trusted generals and administrators. Ghori appointed Aibak as the viceroy of his Indian conquests, which included parts of present-day northern India. Aibak's role was crucial in consolidating Ghori's rule in India and laying the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate.
After Ghori's death in 1206, Aibak took over the administration of the Indian territories and eventually declared himself the Sultan of Delhi, founding the Mamluk dynasty. This marked the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate, which would rule over large parts of India for the next three centuries.
It is important to distinguish Qutbuddin Aibak from other historical figures mentioned in the options. Timur, also known as Tamerlane, was a conqueror who invaded India in the 14th century, long after Ghori's conquests. Chengiz Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, was not involved in the administration of Indian territories under Ghori's rule. Mahmud of Ghazni, while a significant conqueror of India in the early 11th century, was not involved in the administration of territories under Ghori's rule.
Understanding the historical context and the roles of key figures in the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate is crucial for comprehending the early Islamic period in Indian history. Qutbuddin Aibak's appointment as viceroy by Ghori was a pivotal moment that set the stage for the subsequent rule of the Delhi Sultanate.