Do you consider Sultan Iltutmish to be the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate? Discuss.

Answer:

Though Qutb-ud-din Aibak established Turkish rule at Delhi, it was Iltutmish (1211-1236) who gave the Sultanate stable foundations, and he is often called its real founder.

Case for Iltutmish as Real Founder

Political consolidation:

• Overcame rivals (Yaldauz, Qubacha, the Khaljis of Bengal) and secured Delhi as the centre of power.
• Saved the Sultanate from the Mongol threat by prudent diplomacy (refusing shelter to Jalal-ud-din).

Administrative measures:

• Organised the iqta system for revenue and military support.
• Created the corps of Chalisa (the Forty) loyal nobles.
• Introduced the silver tanka and copper jital, giving a sound coinage.

Legitimacy:

• Secured a manshur (letter of investiture) from the Abbasid Caliph, legitimising his rule.
• Made Delhi a cultural centre and completed the Qutb Minar.

A Balanced View

• Aibak laid the first foundations, but it was Iltutmish who converted conquest into an enduring state.

Therefore, Iltutmish may justly be regarded as the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate, since he gave it territorial security, administration, coinage and legitimacy.