Forty Slaves, One Destiny: The Story of Iltutmish

Discover the incredible true story of Iltutmish, a slave who rose to become one of the most powerful sultans in history. Along with his forty fellow slaves, he overcame incredible odds to seize control of an empire and change the course of history. A tale of determination, ambition, and the power of the human spirit.

Iltutmish: The Slave who Conquered an Empire; Image Source: Your Exam Guide

Iltutmish, also known as Shams ud-Din Iltutmish, was a slave who rose to become the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century. He was born into a family of Turkish slave soldiers, who Muslim rulers often recruited to serve as soldiers and administrators. Iltutmish was no exception and was appointed as the Governor of Badaun by his master, Qutb al-Din Aibak.

But Iltutmish was not content with being just a governor. He had bigger ambitions and began to plot his rise to power. He first gained the support of the Turkish soldiers under his command and then began to expand his power base by forming alliances with other powerful nobles.

In 1211, Iltutmish seized the opportunity to take power when Qutb al-Din Aibak died unexpectedly. He quickly declared himself as the Sultan of Delhi, and his rise was met with little resistance from the other nobles. He consolidated his power by removing any potential rivals and establishing his control over the various provinces.

Once in power, Iltutmish implemented administrative and military reforms to strengthen his rule. He strengthened the army by recruiting soldiers from different regions and forming alliances with other rulers. He also implemented a system of taxation and land grants to secure the support of the local nobility.

The Chihilgānī, also known as the "Forty Slaves," was a group of Turkish slave soldiers who served under Sulṭān Shams Al-Dīn Iltutmish of Delhi in the 13th century. They played a crucial role in helping Iltutmish rise to power and consolidate his rule as the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

The Chihilgānī were originally Turkish soldiers the enemy captured during the wars of the Islamic world. They were then sold into slavery and eventually found their way to the court of Iltutmish. Iltutmish, himself a slave, saw an opportunity to use these soldiers to his advantage. He recruited them into his army and appointed them his most trusted advisors and commanders. The Chihilgānī quickly proved their loyalty and effectiveness to Iltutmish. They also played a key role in Iltutmish's military campaigns, which helped to expand the Delhi Sultanate and bring more territory under his control.

The Chihilgānī were also known for their administrative skills. Iltutmish appointed them as governors and administrators of various provinces, which helped to bring stability and prosperity to the kingdom. They also helped to implement a system of taxation and land grants, which secured the support of the local nobility.

From Shackles to Throne: The Incredible Journey of Iltutmish; Image Source: Medium

The Chihilgānī were also known for their religious piety and devotion to Islam. The Chihilgānī were also known for their cultural and intellectual contributions. They introduced the Persian language and culture to the court of Delhi, which helped to create a sense of unity among the diverse population of the Sultanate. They also built many monuments, including the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the Hauz-i-Shamsi reservoir, which are still standing today.

Many of them were Sufis, and they played an important role in spreading the teachings of Islam among the people of Delhi. They also built many religious institutions, including madrasas, which helped to promote the study of Islamic law and theology.

The reign of Iltutmish marked a significant turning point in the history of the Delhi Sultanate. The Chihilgānī, who were once slaves, played a crucial role in helping to establish a stable and powerful state that lasted for several centuries. They overcame the obstacles of being slaves and rose to the top of their intelligence and strength in the political hierarchy.

Iltutmish was also known for his military campaigns, which allowed him to expand the Delhi Sultanate and bring more territory under his control. He led several successful campaigns against the Rajputs and also against the neighbouring kingdoms of Bengal and Multan.

Iltutmish's reign marked a significant turning point in the history of the Delhi Sultanate. He established a stable and powerful state that lasted for several centuries. He was one of the most powerful and influential rulers of his time and is remembered as one of the greatest kings of the Delhi Sultanate.

In conclusion, Iltutmish's rise to power was a remarkable achievement. He was able to overcome the obstacles of being a slave and was able to rise to the top of the political hierarchy through his intelligence and strength. He was a man who had not only a vision but also the ability to execute it. He was a ruler who brought stability and prosperity to his kingdom, and his legacy continues to be remembered today.