Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key rulers, institutions, and terms associated with the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1290).

Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty

First ruling house of the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1290); founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and replaced by the Khilji dynasty after Jalal-ud-din Firuz Khilji seized power.

Qutb-ud-din Aibak

Turkish slave-general of Muhammad Gori who proclaimed himself Sultan in 1206; began Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and Qutub Minar, issued silver tanka & copper jital coins, introduced the Iqtadari system, and was nicknamed "Lakh Bash" for his generosity.

Muhammad Gori

Afghan ruler of Ghur who purchased Aibak as a slave, promoted him to general, and entrusted him with administering his Indian conquests.

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

One of North India’s earliest Islamic monuments; construction begun in Delhi by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.

Qutub Minar

Iconic victory tower in Delhi whose construction was started by Aibak and completed by Iltutmish.

Silver Tanka

High-value silver coin introduced under the early Delhi Sultans, becoming the standard currency of the Sultanate.

Copper Jital

Lower-value copper coin issued alongside the silver tanka during the Mamluk period.

Iqtadari System

Administrative scheme in which the realm was divided into iqtas granted to nobles in lieu of cash salaries.

Lakh Bash

Title meaning “Giver of Lakhs,” applied to Aibak for his noted generosity.

Aram Shah

Weak successor of Aibak who ruled only 1210-1211 before nobles invited Iltutmish to take the throne.

Shamsuddin Iltutmish

Aibak’s slave-turned-son-in-law and greatest Mamluk ruler (1211-1236); completed Qutub Minar, expanded into Bihar and Bengal, and strengthened Delhi’s administration.

Rukn-ud-din Firoz

Iltutmish’s son who reigned briefly in 1236; deposed due to incompetence, paving the way for Razia.

Razia Sultana (Razia al-Din)

Daughter of Iltutmish and the first—and only—Muslim woman to rule Delhi (1236-1240); respected as a capable and just monarch.

Muiz-ud-din Bahram Shah

Brother of Razia who ruled 1240-1242 but failed to assert effective control over the nobility.

Ala-ud-din Masud

Mamluk sultan (1242-1246) dominated by powerful nobles; his weak rule led to continued instability.

Nasiruddin Mahmud

Nominal ruler from 1246-1266 whose reign was effectively controlled by his powerful minister, Balban.

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban

Strong Mamluk sultan (1266-1286) who reinforced royal authority, curbed nobles, and protected the Sultanate from external threats.

Muiz-ud-din Muhammad Qaiqabad

Last Mamluk ruler (1286-1290) who was overthrown by Jalal-ud-din Firuz Khilji.

Jalal-ud-din Firuz Khilji

General who deposed Qaiqabad in 1290, thereby founding the Khilji dynasty.

Khilji (Khalji) Dynasty

Second dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate that succeeded the Mamluks after 1290.