U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2014

Foundation of the Delhi Sultanate

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who was the first Sultan of Delhi who introduced regular coins and declared Delhi the capital of his empire?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept While Qutbuddin Aybak was the first ruler, Iltutmish is regarded as the 'Real Founder' of the Sultanate because he provided the state with a capital (Delhi) and a sovereign currency system.

Explanation Iltutmish shifted the capital from Lahore to Delhi in 1211. He introduced the first pure Arabic coinage in India: the silver *Tanka
(175 grains) and the copper *Jital*.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The shift to Delhi was strategic, as it was more central and better suited for defending against Rajput and Mongol threats.
Logic 2: His coinage standardized the economy and asserted the Sultanate's independent political identity from the Caliphate of Baghdad.

Active Recall

Question

Why is Iltutmish called the 'Real Founder' of the Sultanate?

Answer

Because he successfully defended the empire from rivals like Qabacha, secured a investiture from the Caliph, and established a centralized administrative system.

Core Insight

By establishing Delhi as the capital, Iltutmish permanently shifted the center of Islamic political power in India away from the trans-Indus region.