There are certain chapters in Indian history which are not known to many of us. There is a need to study these chapters in detail so that we understand how the Indian subcontinent evolved over a period of time.  The rich cultural heritage that India is known for, is a result of the various dynasties that ruler our land. One such important Dynasty is Mamluk Dynasty.

Qutb ud-Din Aibak founded the Mamluk Dynasty which is also called as the Slave Dynasty or Ghulam Dynasty. Aibak was an administrator of the Ghurid dynasty or a Turkic Mamluk slave general from 1192 to 1206. During this period he invaded central and northern parts of the Indian subcontinent to gain control over them.

Sultan of the Ghurid Empire Muhammad of Ghor was killed in 1206. He did not have any children and the empire was split among different sultanates. Qutb ud-Din Aibak became the sultan of Delhi to begin the Slave dynasty. He died shortly after in 1210 and his son Aram Shah became the Sultan of Delhi. Even his son was killed very early by Iltutmish in 1211.

An important aspect about the history of slave dynasty is that Iltutmish maintained friendly relations with Abbasid Caliphate between 1228 and 29. He stopped invasions of Genghis Khan and his successors. Iltutmish died in 1236 which led to internal power struggles. Finally Ghiyas ud din Balban was one of the important mamluk dynasty rulers who stabilised the conditions to fight against internal and external threats.

The last ruler of the Slave dynasty was Muiz ud din Qaiqabad, the grandson of Balban. He was defeated by Jalal ud din Firuz Khalji who founded the Khalji Dynasty.

The reign of Mamluk Dynasty extended from 1206 to 1290.  The literal meaning of Mamluk is “owned”. They were soldiers of slave origin who had converted to Islam in the 9th century. They slowly became a powerful military caste in various Muslim societies of Egypt, Levant, Iraq, and India.

So now that you have got a gist about the history of slave dynasty, it is time to dive into the specifics. Hope you will enjoy your research!