Table of Contents
Introduction:
Shams ud-Din Iltutmish popularly known as Iltutmish (born in the year 1176) was the third of the Mamluks Kings who ruled the former Ghurid territories in northern India. He was the first Muslim sovereign to rule from Delhi and is thus considered the effective founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
Who was Iltutmish?
Iltutmish was the third king of Ghurid territory of Northern India. He was the first Muslim to rule from Delhi and was eventually considered the first founder of the Delhi Sultanate. He is also credited for completing the Qutub Minar, whose foundation was led by his predecessor Qutubuddin Aibak.
Wiki of Iltutmish:
| Real Name | Shams ud-Din Iltutmish |
| Date of Birth | 1176 |
| Birth Year | 1176 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Profession | Not Available |
| Zodiac Sign | Not Known |
| Death | 30 April 1236 |
| Birthplace | Central Asia |
| Hometown | Ghazni, Afghanistan |
| School | Not Known |
| College/University | Not Known |
| Educational Qualification | Not Available |
| Nationality | Outside India |
| Religion | Muslim |
| Marital Status | Married |
Iltutmish Biography:
Shams ud- Din Iltutmish popularly known as Iltutmish was born in the year 1176. He was born into a Tribal family. His father, Illam Khan, was a leader of the Turkic Tribe. He was an intelligent and handsome boy who developed jealousy in his brothers, and they sold him to a slave dealer. After getting sold to a slave dealer, Iltutmish was brought to Bukhara, where Sadar-I-Jahan brought him.
Recognizing the abilities and leadership potential of Iltutmish, he was groomed for important administrative positions within the Sultanate. His competence and loyalty earned him recognition and respect among the nobility.
Iltutmish Family:
| Father Name | Illam Khan |
| Mother Name | Not Known |
| Brother Name | Not Available |
| Sister Name | Not Available |
| Wife/Spouse | Shah Turkan |
| Children | Son- Ruknuddin Firuz, Qutbuddin Muhammad, Muiz ud din Bahram, Ghiyasuddin Muhammad Shah, Shihabuddin Muhammad, Nasiruddin Mahmud, Jalaluddin Masud Shah Daughter- Razia Sultan, Shazia Begum |
Iltutmish Age:
Iltutmish was born in the year 1176 and died on 30th April 1236 at the age of 60 Years old.
Iltutmish Career:
Military Achievements:
When Iltutmish became the Sultan, he faced two major challenges. First, he had to make sure that the lands conquered by the previous ruler remained under his control, and second, he needed to deal with rebellions that were happening in different parts of his kingdom.
To secure his position and make the Sultanate even stronger, Iltutmish led several military campaigns. One of his most significant achievements was when he defeated a powerful ruler named Yildiz from Ghazni in a battle. This victory not only made Iltutmish’s hold on his territories even his stronger but also showed other potential enemies that he was not someone to be taken lightly. It acted as a warning to those who might have thought of challenging him.
Religious Tolerance and Patronage:
Iltutmish was known as a ruler who was very accepting of different religions. He supported and encouraged scholars, artists, and religious leaders from various faiths, including Hindus and Buddhists. He believed in religious inclusivity, which means he welcomed people from different beliefs and backgrounds.
By being open to different religions, Iltutmish created an environment of peace and cultural sharing in the Delhi Sultanate. People from different faiths could coexist harmoniously, and there was a positive exchange of ideas and traditions among them. This tolerance and acceptance made his kingdom a place where diversity was celebrated, and everyone had the freedom to practice their own beliefs.
Iltutmish Death:
Iltutmish died on 30th April 1236 at the age of 60 Years.
Iltutmish Physical Appearance:
| Height | Not Known |
| Weight | Not Known |
| Body Measurements | Not Available |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
Iltutmish Marriage:
Iltutmish was sold into slavery but later married the daughter of Qutb-ud-Din Aibak and was appointed as the governor of Badaun. He strengthened and expanded the Muslim empire in northern India and moved the capital to Delhi, where he built the great victory tower, the Qutb Minar.
Iltutmish Photos:
Interesting Facts about Iltutmish:
- Iltutmish’s life started as a slave in the court of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. Despite his humble beginnings, he proved himself and earned Aibak’s trust, which eventually led him becoming the Sultan.
- Iltutmish was the first Sultan to appoint his own legitimate successor during his lifetime. He named his daughter, Razia Sultana, as the heir to the throne, breaking the tradition of dynastic power transfer among Turkic nobles.
- Iltutmish was a great patron of architecture. He built the famous Qutb Minar, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi. The construction of the Qutb Minar was completed by Iltutmish’s son-in-law after his death.
- Iltutmish issued a unique coinage called the “token currency”. These were silver coins known for their purity, and they were used to improve trade and stabilize the economy within the Sultanate.
- Iltutmish was known for his chivalry and honor despite being a fierce warrior. He treated his defeated opponents with respect and did not indulge in unnecessary cruelty.
- Iltutmish skilfully navigated diplomatic relations with neighbouring kingdoms. He formed alliances and maintained peaceful relations with many surrounding powers, ensuring a relatively stable environment during his rule.
- Iltutmish’s reign faced internal challenges, his eldest son, Nasiru’d-Din-Mahmud, rebelled against him, seeking to take the throne.
- Iltutmish relied heavily on Mamluks, military slaves, to strengthen his army. The Mamluks played a crucial role in maintaining the Sultanate’s territorial control.
FAQs about Iltutmish:
Who was Iltutmish?
Iltutmish was the third king of Ghurid territory of Northern India. He was the first Muslim to rule from Delhi and was eventually considered the first founder of the Delhi Sultanate. He is also credited for completing the Qutub Minar, whose foundation was led by his predecessor Qutubuddin Aibak.
When was Iltutmish born?
Iltutmish was born in the year 1176.
Where was Iltutmish born?
Iltutmish was born in Ghazni, Afghanistan.
What was the age of Iltutmish?
Iltutmish was born in the year 1176 and died on 30th April 1236 at the age of 60 Years old.
Who was the wife of Iltutmish?
Iltutmish was sold into slavery but later married the daughter of Qutb-ud-Din Aibak and was appointed as the governor of Badaun.
Who was the father of Iltutmish?
Illam Khan was the father of Iltutmish.
What were the main problems of Iltutmish?
Iltutmish faced three major problems during his reign, defence of his western frontier, control over the Muslim nobles within India, and subjugation of the many Hindu chiefs who still exercised a large measure of independent rule.
Why Iltutmish was the greatest ruler?
Iltutmish was the greatest ruler because of the following reasons: the Turkish nobles who had challenged his claim to the throne were suppressed, the revolt of the Khilji governor of Bengal was crushed.
What was the system introduced by Iltutmish?
The Iqta system was a unique type of land distribution and administrative system introduced during the reign of Iltutmish. In the Iqta system the lands of the Delhi Sultanate were divided into several large and small tracts called Iqta and assigned these Iqta’s to the Sultan’s soldiers, officers, and nobles.
When did Iltutmish breathe his last?
Iltutmish breathed his last on 30th April 1236.
Conclusion:
Here we see all about Iltutmish’s life, he was an extraordinary historical figure in medieval India. He started his life as a slave but rose to become a powerful Sultan. His military skills were impressive, and he was known for his ability to lead his forces effectively. Moreover, he was a wise ruler who knew how to govern well. He faced many challenges when he became Sultan, however, he managed to overcome these obstacles through successful military campaigns, which helped to strengthen his rule and expand territories under his control.
