[Solved] Why was Iltutmish called 'Slave of a Slave'? | UPSC

Who was called 'a slave of a slave'?

[U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2016]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The early Delhi Sultanate is known as the 'Slave' (Mamluk) Dynasty because many of its rulers were originally military slaves who rose to sovereign power.

Authentic Source Evidence

Iltutmish was a slave of Qutbuddin Aybak, who himself was a slave of Muhammad Ghori. Thus, historically, Iltutmish is referred to as 'a slave of a slave'.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Qutbuddin Aybak (a slave) purchased Iltutmish for his exceptional military and administrative qualities.

Logic 2: Muhammad Ghori was so impressed by Iltutmish's bravery against the Khokhars that he ordered his manumission (freedom) even before Aybak was freed.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"How did the slave system in the Sultanate differ from western slavery?"

In the Sultanate, military slaves (Mamluks) could achieve high administrative positions and even become sovereigns through merit and royal patronage.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The 'Slave of a Slave' designation highlights the meritocratic mobility within the early Turko-Afghan military system."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Qutbuddin Aybak 3 Muhammad Ghori 4

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