Qutb-ud-din Aibak

Qutb-ud-din Aibak (reigned 1206–1210 CE) was the founder of the Mamluk or Slave Dynasty, the first ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Originally a Turkish slave who rose through the ranks due to his ability, loyalty, and military prowess, Aibak played a pivotal role in establishing Muslim rule in northern India after the death of his master, Muhammad Ghori.
His reign laid the foundation for a new political order in medieval India, marking the beginning of nearly three centuries of Sultanate rule. Known for his administrative skill, generosity, and promotion of architecture, Aibak is often remembered as “Lakh Baksh” (the Giver of Lakhs) for his magnanimity.

Early Life

Qutb-ud-din Aibak was born around 1150 CE in Central Asia, probably in Turkistan.

• As a child, he was sold into slavery and purchased by a Qazi (judge) of Nishapur, who educated him in Arabic, Persian, horsemanship, and military arts.
• After the Qazi’s death, Aibak was again sold and eventually bought by Muhammad Ghori (Muizz-ud-din Muhammad of Ghor), the ruler of Ghor in present-day Afghanistan.

Impressed by Aibak’s loyalty and administrative abilities, Muhammad Ghori freed him and appointed him as one of his most trusted military commanders.

Rise under Muhammad Ghori

Aibak played a crucial role in Ghori’s campaigns to establish Muslim dominance in India:

• He assisted in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE), where Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, the Rajput ruler of Ajmer and Delhi.
• After the victory, Aibak was appointed Governor of Ghori’s Indian territories, with his headquarters at Lahore and later Delhi.
• He successfully extended Ghurid control over Delhi, Ajmer, Meerut, Badaun, and Koil (Aligarh).
• His military expeditions helped consolidate Ghurid power in northern India, especially after defeating several Rajput chiefs.

Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate

After Muhammad Ghori’s death in 1206 CE, his empire lacked a clear line of succession.

• Aibak, who controlled the Indian provinces, declared independence and established his rule in Delhi.
• This marked the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate, with Qutb-ud-din Aibak as its first Sultan.
• His dynasty came to be known as the Mamluk or Slave Dynasty, as it was founded by a former slave.

He ruled from 1206 to 1210 CE, with Delhi and Lahore serving as his capitals.

Administrative Achievements

Although his reign was short, Qutb-ud-din Aibak laid the administrative foundation for the Delhi Sultanate:

1. Consolidation of Power:
   • Maintained control over territories acquired by Muhammad Ghori.
   • Managed to stabilise his dominion despite challenges from rival nobles and local rulers.
2. Centralised Governance:
   • Organised a strong military and administrative system based on Turkish traditions.
   • Appointed trusted officers to govern provinces and maintain law and order.
3. Tolerance and Justice:
   • Known for his just and generous rule; he was respected for treating both Muslims and non-Muslims fairly.
4. Promotion of Trade and Urbanisation:
   • Encouraged commerce and established Delhi and Lahore as key administrative and cultural centres.

Patronage of Architecture and Culture

Qutb-ud-din Aibak was a great patron of art, architecture, and learning.

1. Qutub Minar (Delhi):
   • Began the construction of the Qutub Minar in 1199 CE to commemorate the victory of Islam in India.
   • The tower was named after the famous Sufi saint Khwaja Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki of Delhi.
   • The Minar was completed by his successor Iltutmish.
2. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (Delhi):
   • Commissioned the first mosque in Delhi, constructed using materials from demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
   • Located near the Qutub Minar, it stands as one of the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.
3. Adhai Din Ka Jhopra (Ajmer):
   • Converted an existing Sanskrit college into a mosque within two and a half days (hence the name “Adhai Din Ka Jhopra”).
   • It reflects a blend of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic architectural styles.
4. Promotion of Scholars:
   • Supported scholars, poets, and theologians, fostering cultural integration in his empire.

Titles and Reputation

• Qutb-ud-din Aibak was popularly called “Lakh Baksh” meaning “Giver of Lakhs”, for his generosity and charity.
• Contemporary chroniclers praised his humility, courage, and administrative fairness.
• He was known to maintain cordial relations with both his subordinates and the local populace.

Death

In 1210 CE, Qutb-ud-din Aibak met an untimely death:

• While playing chaugan (polo) at Lahore, he fell from his horse and was fatally injured.
• He was buried at Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore, where his simple tomb still exists today.

After his death, he was succeeded by Aram Shah, but his rule was short-lived and unstable. Eventually, Aibak’s son-in-law and former slave Iltutmish emerged victorious, consolidating the Delhi Sultanate and continuing Aibak’s legacy.

Legacy

Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s reign, though brief, was historically significant:

1. Founder of the Delhi Sultanate:
   • Established a new political structure that lasted for over three centuries (1206–1526 CE).
2. Architectural Contributions:
   • Introduced early Indo-Islamic architectural styles that shaped later Mughal and Sultanate monuments.
3. Symbol of Social Mobility:
   • His rise from slavery to kingship exemplified merit and ability over birth—a recurring feature in the Delhi Sultanate.
4. Political Foundation:
   • Set administrative and military precedents that were refined by his successors, especially Iltutmish.
5. Cultural Syncretism:
   • His era saw the initial blending of Indian and Islamic art, language, and governance practices.