Qutb-ud-din Aibak – Notes for Competitive Exams
Qutb-ud-din Aibak was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the first ruler of the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty. His contributions to administration, military expansion, and architecture laid the foundation for Muslim rule in India.
Basic Information
- Full Name: Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- Born: Around 1150 CE
- Died: 1210 CE (Lahore, due to a fall from a horse while playing polo)
- Dynasty: Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty
- Reign: 1206 – 1210 CE
- Capital: Lahore
- Predecessor: Muhammad Ghori (Ghurid Empire)
- Successor: Iltutmish
Early Life & Rise to Power
- Originally a Turkish slave, purchased by Muhammad Ghori.
- Became a trusted military general and governor of India under Muhammad Ghori.
- After Muhammad Ghori’s assassination in 1206, Aibak declared himself independent and established the Delhi Sultanate.
- Ruled as Malik (not Sultan) but was later recognized as the first Sultan of Delhi.
Major Contributions
1. Political & Military Achievements
- Established Delhi Sultanate in 1206.
- Consolidated Ghurid conquests in India (Delhi, Ajmer, Kanauj, Kalinjar, Bengal).
- Suppressed revolts and expanded control over Northern India.
- Strengthened the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate.
2. Architectural Contributions
- Started the construction of Qutub Minar in Delhi (completed by Iltutmish).
- Built Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Delhi, the first mosque in North India.
- Patronized Indo-Islamic architecture, blending Persian and Indian styles.
3. Titles & Personal Traits
- Known as “Lakh Baksh” (Giver of Lakhs) due to his generosity.
- Did not assume the title of “Sultan”, referred to himself as Malik.
- Patronized scholars and promoted Persian culture.
4. Death & Succession
- Died in 1210 CE due to a fall from a horse while playing polo (Chaugan) in Lahore.
- Succeeded by Iltutmish, his son-in-law, who further strengthened the Delhi Sultanate.
Significance of Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- First Muslim ruler of Delhi, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in India.
- Laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate, which lasted for over 320 years.
- His policies and administration paved the way for Iltutmish’s successful rule.
- Introduced Indo-Islamic culture through architecture and administration.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder of | Delhi Sultanate, Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty |
| Ruled from | Lahore, Delhi |
| Reign Period | 1206 – 1210 CE |
| Successor | Iltutmish |
| Famous Title | Lakh Baksh |
| Died in | 1210 CE, due to a fall from a horse |
| Major Monuments | Qutub Minar (started), Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque |
MCQs on Qutb-ud-din Aibak
1. Who was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate?
A) Muhammad Ghori
B) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
C) Iltutmish
D) Balban
Answer: B) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
2. What was the capital of Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s rule?
A) Delhi
B) Lahore
C) Agra
D) Ajmer
Answer: B) Lahore
3. Which architectural structure was started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak?
A) Alai Darwaza
B) Tughlaqabad Fort
C) Qutub Minar
D) Red Fort
Answer: C) Qutub Minar
4. Why was Qutb-ud-din Aibak known as “Lakh Baksh”?
A) For his generosity
B) For his military conquests
C) For building forts
D) For introducing a new currency
Answer: A) For his generosity
5. How did Qutb-ud-din Aibak die?
A) Assassination
B) In battle
C) Fall from a horse while playing polo
D) Illness
Answer: C) Fall from a horse while playing polo
6. Who succeeded Qutb-ud-din Aibak as the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
A) Razia Sultan
B) Balban
C) Iltutmish
D) Alauddin Khalji
Answer: C) Iltutmish
7. Which mosque was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in Delhi?
A) Alai Mosque
B) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
C) Jama Masjid
D) Moti Masjid
Answer: B) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Subjective Questions on Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Qutb-ud-din Aibak, and why is he significant in Indian history?
- Why was Qutb-ud-din Aibak called “Lakh Baksh”?
- Name two architectural structures built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
- What was Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s role in the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate?
- How did Qutb-ud-din Aibak die?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the contributions of Qutb-ud-din Aibak in establishing the Delhi Sultanate.
- Explain the architectural contributions of Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
- Describe the military conquests and administration of Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
- Compare the rule of Qutb-ud-din Aibak and his successor, Iltutmish.
- How did Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s rule influence the later Delhi Sultanate?
These questions are important for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, CDS, NDA, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.