Iltutmish was the third ruler of the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty and is considered the true founder of the Delhi Sultanate. He was a strong administrator who consolidated Turkish rule in India, introduced the Iqta system, and completed the construction of Qutub Minar.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish |
| Dynasty | Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1211 CE – 1236 CE |
| Predecessor | Aram Shah |
| Successor | Ruknuddin Firuz (later Razia Sultan) |
| Capital | Delhi |
| Major Achievements | Iqta System, Coinage Reform, Recognition by the Caliph |
| Religious Influence | Sunni Islam |
| Death | 1236 CE |
Early Life & Ascension to Throne
- Born as a Turkic slave, later freed and became a trusted officer of Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
- Appointed as Governor of Badaun and later Delhi.
- In 1211 CE, he defeated Aram Shah in battle and became the Sultan of Delhi.
Major Achievements
1. Consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate
- Defeated Yildiz (ruler of Ghazni) and Qabacha (ruler of Sindh & Multan) to strengthen his rule.
- Repelled Mongol invasions from the northwest.
2. Iqta System (Revenue & Administration Reform)
- Introduced the Iqta system, where land was granted to nobles in exchange for military service.
- Strengthened the central authority by controlling governors.
3. Completion of Qutub Minar
- Completed the Qutub Minar in Delhi, started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
4. Recognition by the Abbasid Caliph
- In 1229 CE, Iltutmish received the title “Sultan” from the Abbasid Caliph, giving him legitimacy as the ruler of India.
5. Introduction of Silver Coinage (Tanka)
- Introduced Silver Tanka (basic currency of the Delhi Sultanate) and Copper Jital.
6. Defense Against Mongols
- First Delhi Sultan to face Mongol threats.
- Refused to help Jalal-ud-din Mangburni, preventing a Mongol invasion.
Administration & Governance
- Organized a strong central government with a bureaucracy of Turkish nobles.
- Divided the empire into Iqtas (provinces), governed by Iqtadars.
- Improved trade, economy, and taxation policies.
Succession & Death
- Died in 1236 CE.
- His weak son, Ruknuddin Firuz, succeeded him but was soon replaced by Razia Sultan, his daughter.
Significance of Iltutmish
- True founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
- First Muslim ruler to be recognized by the Abbasid Caliph.
- Laid the foundation for a stable administrative system.
- Introduced economic and military reforms that lasted throughout the Sultanate period.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 1211 CE – 1236 CE |
| Predecessor | Aram Shah |
| Successor | Ruknuddin Firuz (later Razia Sultan) |
| Major Achievement | Iqta System, Coinage Reform, Mongol Defense |
| Architectural Contribution | Completed Qutub Minar |
| Recognition | Title of “Sultan” by Abbasid Caliph (1229 CE) |
| Death | 1236 CE |
MCQs on Iltutmish
1. Iltutmish belonged to which dynasty?
A) Tughlaq
B) Mamluk (Slave)
C) Khilji
D) Lodhi
Answer: B) Mamluk (Slave)
2. Who did Iltutmish defeat to become the ruler of Delhi?
A) Razia Sultan
B) Aram Shah
C) Balban
D) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Answer: B) Aram Shah
3. Which system was introduced by Iltutmish for revenue administration?
A) Jagir System
B) Iqta System
C) Ryotwari System
D) Mansabdari System
Answer: B) Iqta System
4. What was the major currency introduced by Iltutmish?
A) Gold Dinar
B) Silver Tanka
C) Fals
D) Dirham
Answer: B) Silver Tanka
5. In which year did Iltutmish receive recognition from the Abbasid Caliph?
A) 1206 CE
B) 1211 CE
C) 1229 CE
D) 1236 CE
Answer: C) 1229 CE
6. Which famous monument’s construction was completed by Iltutmish?
A) Red Fort
B) Qutub Minar
C) Jama Masjid
D) Alai Darwaza
Answer: B) Qutub Minar
7. Who succeeded Iltutmish as the ruler of Delhi?
A) Balban
B) Razia Sultan
C) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
D) Ruknuddin Firuz
Answer: D) Ruknuddin Firuz
Subjective Questions on Iltutmish
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Iltutmish, and which dynasty did he belong to?
- What was the Iqta System introduced by Iltutmish?
- How did Iltutmish defend Delhi against the Mongols?
- What title did Iltutmish receive from the Abbasid Caliph?
- What were the major coins introduced by Iltutmish?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the political and military achievements of Iltutmish.
- Explain the role of Iltutmish in strengthening the Delhi Sultanate.
- How did Iltutmish introduce economic and administrative reforms in Delhi?
- What was the significance of Iltutmish’s recognition by the Abbasid Caliph?
- Describe the architectural contributions of Iltutmish.
These notes are useful for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.