SLAVES IN A SLAVE SOCIETY

A slave is a labourer who loses their freedom to an owner. People were made slaves for various reasons like war, punishment, drought and some even sold themselves. With the commencement of the Delhi Sultanate, the nature of slavery changed. The social and economic status of slaves became much better compared to ancient times. For instance, the status of an official slave was much higher than that of free people. However, only a few slaves could reach such a position. Some even became Sultan or Military Generals. Some became well-known artisans.

Expansion of territories meant more slaves in the society. Image Source: The Indian Express.

A slave is a labourer who loses their freedom to an owner. People were made slaves for various reasons like war, punishment, drought and some even sold themselves. With the commencement of the Delhi Sultanate, the nature of slavery changed. The social and economic status of slaves became much better compared to ancient times. For instance, the status of an official slave was much higher than that of free people. However, only a few slaves could reach such a position. Some even became Sultan or Military Generals. Some became well-known artisans.

As Sultans kept expanding their territories, they enslaved several civilians too. On the other hand, slaves were also imported from different parts of the world like the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and China. Well-performing slaves received a good amount of wealth, and the Sultan was liberal towards them. They received training in literature, music, dance and religion. Some were even freed from slavery and elevated to the position of nobles, military chiefs or court artists.

The slaves had their markets too. Baghdad, Ghazni and Delhi emerged as the centre of slave markets. The nobles and the army generals brought healthy slaves for the army from such markets. Muhammad Ghori bought Qutb-ud-din Aibak from Ghazni. Beautiful and young girl slaves were in service at the harem of the Sultan. They were also given as gifts to the Sultan by the vassal kings along with other tributes. The gifting of slaves became very common during the medieval period. Ibn Battuta mentions that the ambassadors of a Chinese Emperor had brought 100 slaves to Mohammad bin Tughlaq and in return, the Sultan gifted him 100 dancing men and women slaves. Meanwhile, Eunuch slaves were employed for looking after the female inmates of the harem. In the 13th century, Bengal emerged as an important place for their trade.

To cater for the needs of slaves, a department called Sahib-i-Diwan-i-Bandahgan was established. It was controlled by a Majumdar, along with other officers called Chawush-i-Ghuri; and a deputy officer. Also, there was a separate treasury for their allowances. Slaves were given financial benefits by their masters. They were given regular salaries and stipends. The treatment of the slaves depended on how loyal and able they were to the Sultan.

The prices of slaves and their numbers depended on their skills. The talented and well-trained slaves were highly-priced. For instance, the price for Malik Kafur was a thousand dinar. Another instance was when Nizamuddin Auliya prayed for the emancipation of a female slave, who presented him with an embroidered piece of fabric as a gift. The monetary value of this slave was a hundred tanka. On contrary, slaves who performed menial tasks were cheaply available. During Muhammad bin Tughluq's reign, there was a further decline in the prices of slaves. Surprisingly, horses were more expensive than the high skilled slaves.

During this period, most people who belonged to the oppressed caste gave up their religion and converted to Islam to serve the Sultan and their nobles. This was because the Quran says that once a slave converts to Islam, he has the same rights as everyone else. Unfortunately, still, a majority of slaves were subjected to heavy physical labour, harsh punishments and abuse by their owners. There was a hierarchy among the slaves too. The Central Asian Turks, considered superior or elite slaves, exploited the native slaves. They held important positions in the administration compared to the native slaves.

These elite slaves gradually transformed themselves into the ruling class. They eventually occupied all the important positions in the Delhi Sultanate. For instance, the Chahalgani or the 'Group of Forty' created by Iltutmish, consisted of a group of slaves who enjoyed high status in the royal administration. From the reign of Khiljis, native slaves began to occupy high positions too. Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, born in India, became a slave of Balban. He later rose to prominence and established the Tughlaq dynasty. It can be understood that the life of slaves was not easy. They had to constantly impress the Sultan and other elites in order to survive the cut throat competition.