INTRODUCTION
Consolidation under Iltutmish and Balban refers to a significant period in the history of India during the Delhi Sultanate. After the establishment of Turkish rule in India by Muizuddin of Ghor in the early 12th century, a series of Turkish sultans ruled over the region. Two of the most prominent sultans of the Delhi Sultanate were Iltutmish and Balban, who ruled in the 13th century. Iltutmish was known for his administrative and military reforms, while Balban was known for his authoritarian rule and efforts to consolidate the power of the Sultanate. Together, they helped to solidify Turkish rule in India and shape the socio-political and cultural landscape of the region for centuries to come.
CONSOLIDATION UNDER ILTUTMISH :
Iltutmish was the third ruler of the Ghurid Empire and consolidated Turkish rule in India through various measures. Here are the three main ways in which Iltutmish consolidated his power in India:
STRENGTHENING THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM: Iltutmish reorganized and strengthened the administrative system of the empire. He introduced a system of provincial governors, known as the iqtadars, who were responsible for collecting revenue and maintaining law and order in their respective territories. The iqtadars were appointed by the sultan and were required to report directly to him. Iltutmish also established a system of regular accounting and auditing, which helped to prevent corruption and ensure the efficient collection of revenue. This administrative reorganization helped to centralize power and strengthen the authority of the sultan.
INTRODUCING THE SILVER TANKA: Iltutmish introduced the silver tanka as the official currency of the Delhi Sultanate. This standardized the currency across the empire and helped to promote trade and commerce. The silver tanka was a stable currency that was widely accepted and helped to boost the economy of the empire.
REPELLING THE ATTACKS OF THE MONGOLS: Iltutmish successfully repelled the attacks of the Mongols, who had invaded India under the leadership of Genghis Khan's grandson, Hulagu. In 1221, Hulagu had captured the city of Bukhara and was advancing towards India. However, Iltutmish was able to defeat the Mongol army at the Battle of Indus River in 1221 and repel their invasion. This victory helped to establish the reputation of Iltutmish as a strong and capable ruler and helped to deter future Mongol invasions.
In summary, Iltutmish consolidated Turkish rule in India through the strengthening of the administrative system, the introduction of the silver tanka as the official currency, and the successful repulsion of the Mongol invasion. These measures helped to centralize power, boost the economy, and ensure the stability of the Delhi Sultanate during Iltutmish's reign
CONSOLIDATION UNDER BALBAN :
During the reign of Balban, who ruled from 1266 to 1287, the Delhi Sultanate saw a period of consolidation and centralization. Here are the three main ways in which Balban consolidated Turkish rule in India:
INTRODUCING PERSIAN COURT CULTURE : Balban introduced the Persian court culture to the Delhi Sultanate. This involved a highly formalized court etiquette, which emphasized the absolute authority of the ruler. Balban introduced various court rituals and ceremonies, such as the paibos (prostration) ceremony, to reinforce the royal authority. He also emphasized the importance of Persian as the court language and patronized Persian literature and poetry. By adopting Persian court culture, Balban sought to strengthen the position of the monarchy and emphasize the ruler's authority over his subjects.
STRENGTHENING THE POSITION OF THE MONARCHY : Balban believed in the theory of divine kingship, which held that the king was appointed by God and was answerable only to Him. To reinforce this belief, he introduced various measures to strengthen the position of the monarchy. For instance, he abolished the position of the wazir or prime minister, who had served as a counterweight to the power of the sultan. Instead, he relied on a small circle of trusted advisors who were loyal only to him. Balban also emphasized the importance of royal authority and patronized a cult of personality around himself.
ESTABLISHING A NETWORK OF SPIES AND INFORMANTS : Balban believed that the maintenance of law and order was critical to the stability of the empire. To this end, he established a network of spies and informants, known as the Barids, to keep a close eye on the nobles and detect any signs of rebellion or discontent. The Barids were highly trained and were given the task of collecting information on the activities of the nobles and reporting back to the sultan. By establishing a network of spies, Balban was able to maintain a tight grip on the nobility and prevent any potential threats to his authority.
In summary, Balban's consolidation of Turkish rule in India involved the introduction of Persian court culture, the strengthening of the position of the monarchy, and the establishment of a network of spies and informants to maintain law and order. These measures helped to centralize power and ensure the stability of the Delhi Sultanate during Balban's reign.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, both Iltutmish and Balban were instrumental in consolidating Turkish rule in India and establishing the Delhi Sultanate as a powerful empire. Iltutmish reorganized and strengthened the administrative system of the empire, introduced the silver tanka as the official currency, and successfully repelled the attacks of the Mongols. Balban introduced Persian court culture, strengthened the position of the monarchy, and established a network of spies and informants to maintain law and order in the empire. These measures helped to centralize power, boost the economy, and ensure the stability of the Delhi Sultanate during their reigns. Overall, the contributions of Iltutmish and Balban played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of India, and their legacies continue to be felt to this day.