Previous Year Question

Iltutmish has been described in history as a ‘slave of a slave’. The expression arose from his early status and the slave tradition connected with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.

Iltutmish was originally an Ilbari Turk. He was sold into slavery at a young age. Later, a merchant named Jamaluddin took him to Ghazni, and eventually he was brought to Delhi and purchased by Qutbuddin Aibak.

Qutbuddin Aibak himself had earlier been a slave of Muhammad Ghori. Thus, Iltutmish became the slave of a man who had himself once been a slave—hence the expression “slave of a slave.”

Through his ability and military talent, Iltutmish gained Aibak's confidence. He was subsequently manumitted, given important administrative responsibilities and made governor of Badaun. Aibak also gave his daughter in marriage to him.

After the death of Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish secured the throne of Delhi in 1211 CE amid political struggles and ruled until approximately 1236 CE.

Although he began his career as a slave, he played an exceptionally important role in organizing and strengthening the Delhi Sultanate. He is often regarded as the real consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate. He strengthened central authority, organized the Iqta system and introduced the silver Tanka and copper Jital.

An important point is that Iltutmish had been manumitted before he became Sultan. Therefore, ‘slave of a slave’ describes his historical origin; it does not mean that he remained someone's slave while ruling as Sultan.