Who destroyed the Turkan-i-Chihalgani? | Balban
Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban succeeded in breaking and destroying the power of the Turkan-i-Chihalgani to ensure the supremacy of the crown.
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Exam Year
2020
Evidence Source
UPSC Level
Who among the following Sultans succeeded in finally breaking and destroying the power of Turkan-i-Chihalgani?
[UPSC CDS I 2020]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
The Turkan-i-Chihalgani (Corps of Forty) was an elite group of Turkish slave-nobles who had become 'king-makers' after the death of Iltutmish. Their power threatened the absolute authority of the crown.
Authentic Source Evidence
Balban (Ghiyasuddin Balban), who was himself once a member of the 'Forty', realized that the Sultan could not rule effectively while this oligarchy existed. He used his 'Blood and Iron' policy to systematically execute, poison, or sideline the families of the Turkan-i-Chihalgani.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"Why did Balban view the Chahalgani as a threat?"
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The destruction of the Chahalgani allowed for the transition from an oligarchic military state to an absolute monarchy."
Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)
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