[Solved] Caliph's Name on Sultanate Coins | Iltutmish

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

[U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2012]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the significance of the 1229 investiture?"

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

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"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'."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Abbasid Caliphate 2

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