[Solved] How did Qutbuddin Aybak die? | Chaugan Polo Fall

How did Sultan Qutbuddin Aybak die?

[UPSC CSE Prelims 2003]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Qutbuddin Aybak was the founder of the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty and the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. His sudden death led to immediate succession challenges.

Authentic Source Evidence

Historical chronicles like the Taj-ul-Maasir state that Aybak died in 1210 CE after falling from his horse while playing Chaugan (a version of Polo) in Lahore.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Aybak was not killed in battle or by assassination; his death was an accidental sporting injury.

Logic 2: He was buried in Lahore (Anarkali Bazaar area). His death briefly threw the Sultanate into chaos until Iltutmish consolidated power.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why is Qutbuddin Aybak also known as 'Lakh Baksh'?"

He was given the title 'Lakh Baksh' (Giver of Lakhs) because of his extreme generosity and charitable nature.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Aybak's death in Lahore highlights that the early Sultanate was still functionally centered in the Punjab/Lahore region before shifting permanently to Delhi under Iltutmish."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Mamluk Dynasty 6 Lahore 4

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