Consolidation of the Mamluk Sultanate

Rivals of Iltutmish | Consolidation of Delhi Sultanate

Tajuddin Yeldoz, Nasiruddin Kubacha, and Ali Mardan were the primary rivals of Iltutmish. Malik Altunia was a contemporary of his daughter, Razia Sultan, and not a rival of Iltutmish.

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Who among the following were not the rivals of Iltutmish?

[Uttarakhand PCS Prelims 2021]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


After the death of Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish had to contend with several powerful Ghorid generals and governors who claimed independence or the throne of Delhi.

Authentic Source Evidence


Tajuddin Yeldoz (Ghazni), Nasiruddin Kubacha (Sindh/Multan), and Ali Mardan (Lakhnauti) were all contemporary rivals who challenged Iltutmish's authority. Malik Altunia, however, was a later figure—the governor of Bhatinda and husband of Razia Sultana—who was a subordinate/rebel during the next generation.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Yeldoz and Kubacha were the primary 'external' Ghorid rivals whom Iltutmish defeated to secure the Sultanate's independence from Ghazni.

  • Logic 2: Option D is correct because Altunia belongs to the post-Iltutmish era (Razia's reign) and was not a rival during Iltutmish's consolidation phase.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "In which battle did Iltutmish defeat Tajuddin Yeldoz?"

    Iltutmish defeated and captured Yeldoz at the Battle of Tarain in 1216, effectively ending Ghazni's claim over Delhi.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Iltutmish's survival depended on his ability to systematically eliminate the other three 'pillars' of Ghori's Indian legacy (Yeldoz, Kubacha, and the Khaljis of Bengal)."

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