“1236-1266 AD was period of conflict between Rajia Sultan and Nobility” by Ziauddin Berni
Factors which lead to conflict
Gender Bias : Razia Sultana’s leadership challenged patriarchal standards and faced criticism from the nobles.
Struggle for Power : The nobility sought to maintain and strengthen their authority. In a male-dominated society, a ruler’s perceived weakness or vulnerability allowed the nobility to exert their power.
Administrative Reforms : Razia Sultana implemented administrative reforms to reduce corruption and improve efficiency. However, these changes faced resistance from the nobility, resulting in tensions and conflicts.
Developments after the death of Iltutmish
After Iltutmish’s death, the nobility had ongoing strife. Muhammad Ghori’s abrupt death caused a power struggle among his three important Generals: Tajuddin Yalduz, Nasiruddin Qubacha, and Qutub ud din Aibak. Following Iltutmish’s death, the fight escalated, leading to factionalism and intrigue among the Turks.
After Iltutmish’s death, his eldest son, Fakhr ud din Firuz Shah, desired to take the throne. However, Iltutmish chose Razia Sultan as his successor, departing from customary standards. Fakhr ud din Firuz Shah became king, although his mother, Shah Turkan, held actual control.
Contrary to this arrangement, a revolt by the people of Delhi occurred, leading to the installation of Razia Sultan (1236-1239) as the successor. Fakhr ud din Firuz Shah and Shah Turkan were subsequently killed.
Rajia Sultan
Razia Sultan, famed for her unusual style, broke traditional gender roles by renouncing female dress, abandoning Purdah, and appearing unveiled at court in masculine attire while using elephants. Her leadership in military operations and emphasis on hunting caused anger among the nobility.
Razia favored outsiders, appointing non-Turk slave Malik Yaqut as Amir-e-Aakhur (Superintendent of Royal Horse) to gain control over the nobility. The decision resulted in revolts and rebellions in Lahore and Bhatinda. Razia’s efforts to quell unrest, including her marriage to Altunia, the Governor of Bhatinda, did not resolve the issues. Behram Shah, Iltutmish’s son, eventually assassinated her and took over the throne.
Reasons behind failures of Rajia Sultan
Historians offer many explanations for Razia Sultan’s failings. Minhaj us Siraj blamed her shortcomings on her incapacity to control the nobles, although having the essential qualities for rulership. Satish Chandra argues that Razia’s lack of support from powerful aristocratic factions and inability to divide opposition led to obstacles, despite her strengths and toughness.
Following Behram Shah, Alauddin Masud Shah and Nasiruddin Mahmud succeeded to the
throne. Notably, Ulugh Khan, a noble from 1246 to 1266, gained prominence and later
became known as Balban.
Balban (1266-1286)
During the reign of shamsuddin – ( Iltutmish ) …Owing to the presence of peerless maliks , wazirs…educated, wise and capable the court of the sultan shamsuddin had became the stable…But after the death of the sultan…His forty turkish slaves got the upperhand…So owing to the supremacy of the turkish slaves officers , all these men of noble birth…were destroyed under various pretexts during the reign of the successors of shamsuddin
Ziauddin Barani ( 14th Century Historian )
Struggles faced by Balban
- The administration was disorganized and did not uphold the crown’s reputation.
- A struggle erupted between the Sultan and the nobility, with the powerful Group of Chilangani holding a significant amount of authority.
- Balban had to contend with internal uprisings and rebellions led by local kings, in addition to the imminent threat of a Mongol invasion.
Approaches and policies of Balban
- Focusing on the theory of Kingship, he referred to himself, in the role of Sultan, as Niyabat i-Khudai, thereby enhancing the power and prestige associated with the position of the King.
- Firmly believing in the divine ordination of monarchy, Balban advocated for the Sultan to behave as a despot and declared himself a descendant of Afrasiyab, the Iranian hero.
- Seeking to dismantle the Group of Forty within the nobility, Balban aimed to consolidate his own authority.
- Introducing practices such as Sijda (prostration) and Paibos (kissing the monarch’s feet), he prohibited laughter, jokes, and celebrations in the court, maintaining a grand and imposing atmosphere.
- Balban introduced the Persian festival of Navroz to foster cultural linkages.
- He excluded individuals of low birth (Non-Turks) from key positions and employed spies to monitor the activities of the nobles, ensuring strict control over the court and the nobility.
Military Reforms
- He was the one who established the Diwan-i-Arz, a Military Department, and personally oversaw troop training.
- Balban implemented the policy of “Blood and Iron,” decisively quelling uprisings, with a focus on restoring law and order. For example, he sent troops to Bengal to put an end to Tughrin’s rebellion.
- By building fortifications and increasing the army, he fortified the borders as part of the proactive Mongol Policy. For instance, Balban’s son Prince Muhammad successfully fought off Mongol invasions and gave his life to protect the empire.
- Balban dealt with the Rajputs with such power that their opposition was effectively checked and crushed.
Conclusion
In retrospect, Balban is acknowledged as the preeminent Slave Sultan, as noted by
Professor Habibullah. Renowned for consolidating the Delhi Sultanate, his methods,
although deemed harsh and racial, marked the commencement of an era characterized
by a robust and centralized government.
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