U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2012

Sultanate and the Caliphate

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

On whose coins the name of the last Caliph of Baghdad appeared for the first time?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept In the medieval Islamic world, formal recognition from the Caliph (Khalifa) was the highest form of political legitimacy. Iltutmish was the first to actively seek this status for the Delhi Sultanate.

Explanation In 1229 CE, Iltutmish received a 'Mansur' (letter of investiture) from the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mustansir. Following this, he styled himself as the 'Lieutenant of the Caliph' on his Tankas.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Iltutmish used the Caliph's name on his silver Tankas to silence domestic rivals who questioned his right to the throne.
Logic 2: This act transformed the Delhi Sultanate from a 'conquered territory' into a legally recognized part of the global Islamic political community.

Active Recall

Question

What was the significance of the 1229 investiture?

Answer

It formally recognized Iltutmish as the legal Sultan of Delhi, providing him with a religious and legal shield against other Turkish claimants.

Core Insight

The use of the Caliph's name on currency was a sophisticated piece of propaganda to establish 'Sovereignty by Law' rather than just 'Sovereignty by Conquest'.