Explanation: Iltutmish, also known as Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, was a significant ruler of the Mamluk dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate, which was a medieval Islamic empire in India. He ruled from 1211 to 1236 and was known for his administrative reforms and military conquests. Iltutmish had several sons, and the succession to his throne was a matter of political intrigue and conflict.
Iltutmish's eldest son, Rukn-ud-din Firuz, was initially chosen as his successor. However, Rukn-ud-din's rule was short-lived and marked by misrule and corruption. After his death, Iltutmish's daughter, Razia Sultana, briefly ruled, becoming the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. However, her rule was also short and ended in a coup.
The third son of Iltutmish, Bahram Shah, succeeded Razia Sultana to the throne. Bahram Shah's reign was marked by internal strife and external threats. He faced challenges from his own brothers and was eventually deposed by his younger brother, Masud, who was supported by the nobility.
Understanding the succession of the Mamluk dynasty is crucial for comprehending the political dynamics of the Delhi Sultanate. The Mamluk dynasty was characterized by a complex system of succession, often involving conflicts among the ruling family members and the nobility. The political instability during this period was a result of these internal power struggles and the lack of a clear succession policy.
In summary, Bahram Shah was the third son of Iltutmish and succeeded to the throne after the brief reigns of his elder brother and sister. His rule was marked by internal conflicts and external threats, reflecting the broader political instability of the Mamluk dynasty during this period.