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U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2016

The Mamluk Sultanate

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who was called 'a slave of a slave'?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The early Delhi Sultanate is known as the 'Slave' (Mamluk) Dynasty because many of its rulers were originally military slaves who rose to sovereign power.

Explanation Iltutmish was a slave of Qutbuddin Aybak, who himself was a slave of Muhammad Ghori. Thus, historically, Iltutmish is referred to as 'a slave of a slave'.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Qutbuddin Aybak (a slave) purchased Iltutmish for his exceptional military and administrative qualities.
Logic 2: Muhammad Ghori was so impressed by Iltutmish's bravery against the Khokhars that he ordered his manumission (freedom) even before Aybak was freed.

Active Recall

Question

How did the slave system in the Sultanate differ from western slavery?

Answer

In the Sultanate, military slaves (Mamluks) could achieve high administrative positions and even become sovereigns through merit and royal patronage.

Core Insight

The 'Slave of a Slave' designation highlights the meritocratic mobility within the early Turko-Afghan military system.

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