Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate under Qutbuddin Aibak: 1206–1210 CE MCQs on the First Mamluk Ruler

Course: Delhi Sultanate – Chronological and Era-Wise History of India – MCQs
Section 1: Foundation of the Delhi Sultanate
Timeline: c. 1206 CE – 1211 CE
Lesson: Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate under Qutbuddin Aibak – MCQs

Introduction

The year 1206 CE marks a major transition in the political history of medieval North India. After the death of Muhammad Ghori, his Indian territories did not pass to a direct hereditary successor. Instead, Qutbuddin Aibak, his prominent military commander and former military slave, established independent authority in the Indian territories.

Aibak ruled from 1206 to 1210 CE. He faced challenges from rival Ghurid commanders, including Tajuddin Yalduz and Nasiruddin Qabacha, as well as resistance from Indian rulers. NIOS identifies Aibak as the first independent Muslim ruler of northern India and associates his accession with the beginning of the Mamluk period of the Delhi Sultanate. (Digital NIOS)

Aibak’s reign was brief, but it established an important political foundation. The subsequent ruler Iltutmish (1211–1236 CE) played the major role in consolidating and strengthening the Sultanate. Therefore, examination questions should distinguish between Aibak’s establishment and Iltutmish’s consolidation.

1. MCQs with Answers and Explanations

MCQ 1. Who established independent Turkish rule in northern India after the death of Muhammad Ghori?

A. Iltutmish
B. Qutbuddin Aibak
C. Balban
D. Tajuddin Yalduz

Correct Answer: B. Qutbuddin Aibak

Explanation:
After Muhammad Ghori died in 1206 CE, Qutbuddin Aibak emerged as the independent ruler of the Ghurid territories in India. Aibak had previously served as one of Ghori’s leading commanders and governors. NIOS identifies him as the first independent Muslim ruler of northern India and associates his accession with the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 2. Qutbuddin Aibak ruled as an independent ruler approximately between:

A. 1192–1206 CE
B. 1206–1210 CE
C. 1211–1236 CE
D. 1236–1240 CE

Correct Answer: B. 1206–1210 CE

Explanation:
Aibak’s independent rule lasted from 1206 to 1210 CE. His reign was comparatively short. He died in 1210 after suffering injuries in a fall from a horse while playing chaugan (polo). He was succeeded briefly by Aram Shah, after which Iltutmish became Sultan in 1211. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 3. Qutbuddin Aibak had originally risen to prominence under:

A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Muhammad Ghori
C. Mahmud of Ghazni
D. Iltutmish

Correct Answer: B. Muhammad Ghori

Explanation:
Aibak was a Turkish military slave who rose through the ranks of Muhammad Ghori’s military establishment. He became one of Ghori’s most trusted commanders in India and was entrusted with important territories after Ghurid victories. His military and administrative position enabled him to establish independent authority following Ghori’s death in 1206.

MCQ 4. What major political event in 1206 CE facilitated the emergence of an independent Delhi Sultanate?

A. Death of Prithviraj Chauhan
B. Death of Muhammad Ghori
C. Death of Jayachandra
D. Defeat of Iltutmish

Correct Answer: B. Death of Muhammad Ghori

Explanation:
Muhammad Ghori died in 1206 CE, creating a succession crisis across his territories. Since his Indian possessions were administered largely through military commanders, powerful commanders such as Aibak were able to establish independent authority. This political development marks the conventional beginning of the Delhi Sultanate.

MCQ 5. Which term is traditionally used for the first ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate?

A. Khalji Dynasty
B. Tughlaq Dynasty
C. Mamluk Dynasty
D. Lodi Dynasty

Correct Answer: C. Mamluk Dynasty

Explanation:
The first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate is commonly known as the Mamluk Dynasty or, in older textbooks, the Slave Dynasty. Mamluk is an Arabic term meaning “owned.” In the military context, it referred to slaves who were trained for military service and could rise to positions of considerable political power. NIOS dates the Mamluk period from 1206 to 1290 CE. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 6. The word “Mamluk” in the context of the Delhi Sultanate primarily refers to:

A. Persian merchants
B. Military slaves of Turkish origin
C. Rajput chiefs
D. Arab religious scholars

Correct Answer: B. Military slaves of Turkish origin

Explanation:
The term Mamluk literally refers to an “owned” person. In the early Delhi Sultanate, it was particularly associated with imported Turkish military slaves who were trained for military service and could rise to senior positions. Aibak himself followed this career path, eventually becoming a powerful commander and independent ruler. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 7. Which title is traditionally associated with Qutbuddin Aibak because of his generosity?

A. Zill-i-Ilahi
B. Lakh Baksh
C. Sikandar-i-Sani
D. Nizam-ul-Mulk

Correct Answer: B. Lakh Baksh

Explanation:
Qutbuddin Aibak was popularly known as Lakh Baksh, meaning approximately “giver of lakhs,” because of his reputation for generosity. NIOS specifically records this epithet in its discussion of Aibak. The title is frequently asked in objective examinations and should be associated directly with Aibak rather than with later Delhi Sultans. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 8. Which of the following was a major political challenge faced by Qutbuddin Aibak after 1206 CE?

A. Portuguese invasion
B. Rival claims by other Ghurid commanders
C. Mughal invasion
D. Maratha expansion

Correct Answer: B. Rival claims by other Ghurid commanders

Explanation:
After Muhammad Ghori’s death, Aibak had to deal with rival Ghurid commanders. Tajuddin Yalduz, based at Ghazni, claimed authority over the territories, while Nasiruddin Qabacha, associated with Multan and Uchch, also sought independence. Aibak therefore had to establish his authority through both diplomacy and military action. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 9. Tajuddin Yalduz was primarily associated with:

A. Bengal
B. Ghazni
C. Ajmer
D. Gujarat

Correct Answer: B. Ghazni

Explanation:
Tajuddin Yalduz (Yildiz) was a powerful Ghurid commander who controlled Ghazni after Muhammad Ghori’s death. He claimed authority over the Indian territories as well. Aibak defeated Yalduz and briefly occupied Ghazni, demonstrating the political instability that followed Ghori’s death. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 10. Nasiruddin Qabacha was associated with which centres?

A. Multan and Uchch
B. Bengal and Bihar
C. Ajmer and Delhi
D. Kannauj and Varanasi

Correct Answer: A. Multan and Uchch

Explanation:
Nasiruddin Qabacha was an important Ghurid commander associated with Multan and Uchch. After Muhammad Ghori’s death, he sought to establish an independent position. His rivalry with Aibak formed part of the political struggles that accompanied the fragmentation of Ghurid authority after 1206.

MCQ 11. Which Indian territories were reconquered by Aibak after resistance from local rulers?

A. Badayun and Farukhabad
B. Madurai and Thanjavur
C. Warangal and Devagiri
D. Bengal and Assam

Correct Answer: A. Badayun and Farukhabad

Explanation:
According to NIOS, Harishchandra, successor of Jayachandra, had driven Turkish forces from Badayun and Farukhabad. Aibak subsequently reconquered these territories. This illustrates that the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate involved not merely claiming sovereignty but also confronting local resistance and maintaining control over strategically important territories. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 12. Which ruler succeeded Qutbuddin Aibak immediately after his death?

A. Iltutmish
B. Aram Shah
C. Balban
D. Razia Sultan

Correct Answer: B. Aram Shah

Explanation:
After Aibak died in 1210 CE, some Turkish nobles in Lahore placed Aram Shah, identified in NIOS material as Aibak’s son, on the throne. However, powerful Turkish nobles in Delhi opposed him and invited Iltutmish, the governor of Badayun and Aibak’s son-in-law. Iltutmish defeated Aram Shah and became Sultan in 1211 CE. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 13. How did Qutbuddin Aibak die?

A. He was killed in the Second Battle of Tarain.
B. He died from injuries sustained while playing chaugan.
C. He was assassinated in Delhi.
D. He died during a campaign in Bengal.

Correct Answer: B. He died from injuries sustained while playing chaugan.

Explanation:
Aibak died in 1210 CE after sustaining injuries from a fall while playing chaugan, a form of polo. His death created another succession crisis. This led to the brief elevation of Aram Shah and ultimately to the accession of Iltutmish in 1211. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 14. Who invited Iltutmish to Delhi after the accession of Aram Shah?

A. Turkish nobles of Delhi
B. Rajput chiefs of Ajmer
C. Ghurid nobles of Ghazni
D. Chalukya nobles of Gujarat

Correct Answer: A. Turkish nobles of Delhi

Explanation:
Following Aibak’s death, the Turkish nobles of Delhi opposed Aram Shah and invited Iltutmish, then governor of Badayun, to assume leadership. Iltutmish defeated Aram Shah and became Sultan in 1211 CE. This transition is important because Iltutmish subsequently transformed the relatively fragile political foundation inherited from Aibak into a more firmly consolidated Sultanate. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 15. Which statement best distinguishes the contributions of Aibak and Iltutmish?

A. Aibak consolidated the Sultanate completely, while Iltutmish founded it.
B. Aibak established independent Turkish authority, while Iltutmish substantially consolidated it.
C. Both ruled simultaneously from Delhi.
D. Iltutmish ruled before Aibak.

Correct Answer: B. Aibak established independent Turkish authority, while Iltutmish substantially consolidated it.

Explanation:
This distinction is fundamental. Aibak (1206–1210) laid the political foundation of independent Turkish rule in North India. Iltutmish (1211–1236) faced numerous challenges and played the principal role in consolidating the Sultanate. NIOS explicitly describes Iltutmish’s accession as the beginning of the period in which the Sultanate was substantially consolidated. (Digital NIOS)

MCQ 16. Which monument is most closely associated with Qutbuddin Aibak’s architectural patronage?

A. Qutb Minar complex
B. Buland Darwaza
C. Gol Gumbaz
D. Charminar

Correct Answer: A. Qutb Minar complex

Explanation:
The Qutb Minar complex is closely associated with the early Delhi Sultanate. The Quwwatu’l-Islam Mosque was begun under Qutbuddin Aibak, while the Qutb Minar itself was also begun under Aibak and subsequently completed/extended by later rulers. UNESCO recognises the complex as an important example of the architectural achievements of early Islamic India. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

MCQ 17. The Quwwatu’l-Islam Mosque is located in which historical complex?

A. Qutb Minar complex
B. Red Fort complex
C. Fatehpur Sikri complex
D. Agra Fort complex

Correct Answer: A. Qutb Minar complex

Explanation:
The Quwwatu’l-Islam Mosque forms part of the Qutb archaeological complex in Delhi. Its construction began under Qutbuddin Aibak and it was later enlarged by Iltutmish. UNESCO identifies it as one of the earliest surviving mosques in northern India and notes its incorporation of architectural elements associated with earlier Indian temple traditions. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

MCQ 18. Which statement about the Qutb Minar is correct?

A. It was entirely completed by Aibak during his lifetime.
B. It was begun under Aibak and continued by later rulers.
C. It was built by Alauddin Khalji in the fourteenth century.
D. It was constructed by Iltutmish before Aibak’s reign.

Correct Answer: B. It was begun under Aibak and continued by later rulers.

Explanation:
The Qutb Minar was begun under Qutbuddin Aibak, but its construction was continued by later rulers, particularly Iltutmish. UNESCO records the Qutb Minar as a major component of the Qutb archaeological complex and describes the ensemble as evidence of the architectural development accompanying the establishment of Islamic rule in northern India. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

MCQ 19. In which year was the Qutb Minar and its Monuments complex inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

A. 1986
B. 1991
C. 1993
D. 2001

Correct Answer: C. 1993

Explanation:
The Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993 under Criterion (iv). The property contains the Qutb Minar, Quwwatu’l-Islam Mosque, Iron Pillar, Iltutmish’s tomb and other monuments representing important developments in early Indo-Islamic architecture. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

MCQ 20. Which sequence correctly represents the early political transition after Muhammad Ghori’s death?

A. Iltutmish → Aibak → Aram Shah → Muhammad Ghori
B. Muhammad Ghori dies → Aibak establishes independent authority → Aibak dies → Aram Shah → Iltutmish
C. Aibak dies → Muhammad Ghori dies → Iltutmish → Aram Shah
D. Aram Shah → Aibak → Iltutmish → Muhammad Ghori

Correct Answer: B. Muhammad Ghori dies → Aibak establishes independent authority → Aibak dies → Aram Shah → Iltutmish

Explanation:
The correct chronology is:

1206 CE: Muhammad Ghori dies.
1206–1210 CE: Qutbuddin Aibak rules independently in northern India.
1210 CE: Aibak dies following injuries sustained while playing chaugan.
1210–1211 CE: Aram Shah briefly occupies the throne.
1211 CE: Iltutmish defeats Aram Shah and becomes Sultan.

This sequence is fundamental to understanding the transition from Ghurid provincial authority to the independent Delhi Sultanate. (Digital NIOS)

2. Qutbuddin Aibak – Quick Revision Table

NIOS records Aibak’s rule as 1206–1210, his epithet Lakh Baksh, his conflicts with Yalduz and Qabacha, and his death while playing chaugan. (Digital NIOS)

3. Important Chronology

1206 CE

• Muhammad Ghori dies.
• Qutbuddin Aibak establishes independent authority in the Indian territories.
• Beginning of the Mamluk period of the Delhi Sultanate.

1206–1210 CE

• Aibak attempts to secure the political position of the new Sultanate.
• He confronts rival Ghurid commanders and local resistance.

1210 CE

• Aibak dies following injuries sustained while playing chaugan.
• Aram Shah is briefly placed on the throne.

1211 CE

• Iltutmish defeats Aram Shah.
• Iltutmish becomes Sultan and begins the next major phase of consolidation.

4. Archaeological and Cultural Significance

The establishment of Turkish political power was accompanied by significant architectural developments. The Quwwatu’l-Islam Mosque in the Qutb complex was begun under Aibak and later enlarged by Iltutmish. UNESCO describes the complex as an important testimony to the architectural and artistic achievements of the early Islamic rulers in India. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

The Qutb complex also illustrates the interaction of architectural traditions. UNESCO notes the presence of carved architectural elements associated with earlier Hindu and Jain temple traditions within the complex. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

The Qutb Minar is approximately 72.5 metres high and forms the principal monument of the World Heritage property. The property was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993 under Criterion (iv). (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

Examination point: Do not state that Aibak completed the Qutb Minar. The monument was begun under Aibak and continued by later rulers.

5. Targeting Exams

CUET-UG / CUET-PG, UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, IBPS PO, SBI PO, RRB NTPC, RRB Group D, CDS, NDA & NA, CAPF, APSC CCE, All State Government Exams, Assam Government Grade III & IV, Assam Police Recruitment, CTET, UGC NET

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who founded the Delhi Sultanate?

Qutbuddin Aibak is conventionally regarded as the founder of the independent Delhi Sultanate because he established independent authority in North India following Muhammad Ghori’s death in 1206 CE. (Digital NIOS)

2. When did Qutbuddin Aibak rule?

Aibak ruled independently from approximately 1206 to 1210 CE. (Digital NIOS)

3. Why is Aibak called Lakh Baksh?

Aibak was traditionally known as Lakh Baksh, meaning a generous giver, because of his reputation for generosity. (Digital NIOS)

4. What does Mamluk mean?

Mamluk is an Arabic term meaning “owned.” In the early Sultanate context, it referred to military slaves who could rise to senior military and political positions. (Digital NIOS)

5. Who were Aibak’s major rivals after 1206?

Two important rivals were Tajuddin Yalduz, associated with Ghazni, and Nasiruddin Qabacha, associated with Multan and Uchch. (Digital NIOS)

6. How did Aibak die?

He died in 1210 CE from injuries suffered after falling from a horse while playing chaugan (polo). (Digital NIOS)

7. Who succeeded Aibak?

Aram Shah briefly succeeded Aibak in 1210, but was defeated by Iltutmish, who became Sultan in 1211. (Digital NIOS)

8. Did Aibak complete the Qutb Minar?

No. The Qutb Minar was begun under Aibak and continued by later rulers, particularly Iltutmish. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

9. What is the significance of the Qutb Minar complex?

It is an important archaeological and architectural record of the early establishment of Islamic political power in northern India and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage property in 1993. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)

10. Who deserves the credit for consolidating the Delhi Sultanate?

For examination purposes, Iltutmish is generally credited with the major consolidation of the Sultanate, while Aibak is associated with its initial establishment as an independent political entity. NIOS explicitly contrasts Aibak’s founding role with Iltutmish’s consolidation. (Digital NIOS)

Key Takeaway for Exams

Muhammad Ghori (1206 death) → Qutbuddin Aibak (1206–1210) → Aram Shah (briefly) → Iltutmish (1211 onward)

The most important conceptual distinction is:

Aibak = Foundation of independent Turkish rule
Iltutmish = Consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate

This distinction, together with 1206, 1210, 1211, Lakh Baksh, Mamluk, Yalduz, Qabacha, chaugan and Qutb Minar, forms the core examination material for this lesson.