Question

During which period Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban was the ruler of a vast empire?
A) 1266-1287
B) 1267-1288
C) 1268-1289
D) 1265-1286

Answer 1

Hint: Ghiyasuddin Balban was the ninth ruler of the Mamluk Dynasty and his original name was Baha Ud Din. Hewas brought to Delhi in 1232 and sold to the third Mamluk Ruler, Shamsuddin Iltutmish. He was preceded by Nasiruddin Mahmud and succeeded by Muizuddin Qaiqabad.

Complete answer:
Ghiyasuddin Balban reigned from 1266 to 1287, was the ninth ruler of the Mamluk Dynasty and his original name was Baha Ud Din. His father was a Turkish noble. Balban, along with others from his tribe was captured by the Mongols and sold to Khwaja Jamal Ud Din as slaves. He then brought them to Delhi in 1232 and sold them to the third Mamluk Ruler, Shamsuddin Iltutmish.

He was first given the job of a water carrier, but soon rose to the position of Khasdar and became the personal attendant of the Sultan. He then helped Nasiruddin Mahmud to become the sultan and Balban became his vizier.

Naseeruddin Mahmud did not have any male heir, hence Balban declared himself the Sultan after Nasirruddin’s death. He ascended to the throne in 1266 at the age of 60 and he gave himself the title, ‘Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban’. He was a vigorous ruler who gave great importance to the discipline. Zest, laughter, wine and gambling were banished from his courts and assemblies. He also introduced the practice of prostrating before the sultan and kissing his feet.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (A) 1266 – 1287.

Note: Ghiyasuddin Balban died in 1287 and thus his reign ended. He had two sons; Muhammad Khan, who died in 1285 and Bughra Khan who did not want to take his father’s throne. Finally, it was Ghiyasuddin’s grandson, Muizuddin Qaiqabad who succeeded his throne.