The Chihalgani (Turkan-i-Chihalgani), also known as the “Group of Forty”, was a powerful group of Turkish nobles during the Delhi Sultanate. It was formed by Iltutmish to assist in administration but later became a source of political instability and power struggles.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Chihalgani (Turkan-i-Chihalgani) |
| Meaning | “Group of Forty” (A group of 40 influential Turkish nobles) |
| Founded by | Iltutmish (Mamluk Dynasty) |
| Purpose | To assist in administration & military control |
| Major Role | Power struggles in the Delhi Sultanate |
| Abolished by | Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266 CE) |
Formation & Role
- Iltutmish established the Chihalgani to strengthen central governance.
- It consisted of 40 powerful Turkish nobles who acted as advisors, governors, and military officers.
- Their role was to help in administration, military affairs, and revenue collection.
- Initially, they were loyal to Iltutmish, but after his death, they started controlling weak Sultans.
Decline & Political Interference
- After Iltutmish’s death, the Chihalgani became very powerful and interfered in royal affairs.
- They played a key role in the removal and appointment of weak rulers.
- They opposed Razia Sultana because she tried to rule independently.
- Bahram Shah (1240-1242 CE) was a puppet ruler controlled by them.
- They created instability by fighting among themselves for power.
Abolition of the Chihalgani
- Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266-1287 CE) abolished the Chihalgani to strengthen the Sultan’s authority.
- He eliminated powerful Turkish nobles and centralized power.
- This helped in stabilizing the Delhi Sultanate under Balban.
Significance of the Chihalgani
- Helped in the early administration of the Delhi Sultanate.
- Later became a source of political instability and power struggles.
- Showed the conflict between the Sultan and nobles for control.
- Its abolition strengthened the Sultan’s power and ended noble interference.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded by | Iltutmish |
| Purpose | Administration & military governance |
| Controlled which rulers? | Razia Sultana, Bahram Shah |
| Abolished by | Balban (1266 CE) |
| Significance | Shifted power from nobles to Sultan |
MCQs on Chihalgani
1. Who established the Chihalgani (Group of Forty)?
A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
B) Iltutmish
C) Balban
D) Razia Sultana
Answer: B) Iltutmish
2. What was the role of the Chihalgani?
A) Religious administration
B) Helping the Sultan in governance
C) Trade and commerce
D) Building architecture
Answer: B) Helping the Sultan in governance
3. Who was removed from the throne due to Chihalgani’s opposition?
A) Iltutmish
B) Razia Sultana
C) Balban
D) Alauddin Khalji
Answer: B) Razia Sultana
4. Who abolished the Chihalgani?
A) Iltutmish
B) Alauddin Khalji
C) Balban
D) Bahram Shah
Answer: C) Balban
5. Why did Balban abolish the Chihalgani?
A) To remove corruption
B) To strengthen the Sultan’s power
C) To expand trade
D) To reform taxation
Answer: B) To strengthen the Sultan’s power
These notes are essential for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.