[Solved] First Sultan to Make Delhi Capital | Iltutmish

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

[U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2014]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

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

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

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Silver Tanka 3

Analysing authentic U.P.P.C.S. Mainsprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Foundation of the Delhi Sultanate helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Iltutmish Delhi capital and Silver Tanka builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →