Qutb-ud-din Aibak: First Muslim Ruler of Delhi

Though he ruled for only four years, Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s main claim to fame rests on his being the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. He was the founder of the Slave Dynasty, the first of the five Muslim dynasties, known as Delhi Sultanate. He is also famous as the builder of Qutb Minar in Delhi, a signature monument in the capital of India. The monument is located in Mehrauli where he laid the foundation of the first so-called 'seven cities' of medieval Delhi.

When Muhammad of Ghur died in 1206, Qutb-ud-din, who was his slave (Mamluk), assumed the title of Sultan and became the ruler of Indian territories won by his master. The dynasty which he founded came to be known as Mamluk Dynasty (Slave Dynasty). He belonged to the Aibak tribe.

Death of Qutb-ud-din Aibak

A Turk and native of Turkistan, Qutb-ud-din Aibak died in 1210 of a sudden fall from a horse at Lahore while playing polo (chaugan). He lies buried in a tomb in Lahore.  

Qutb-ud-din Aibak's Tomb in Lahore / Image source 

According to the contemporary Muslim historians, he was famous for his generosity and earned the sobriquet of lakh-baksh (giver of lakhs).      

Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra

Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra located in Ajmer in Rajasthan was initially a temple. It was converted into a mosque by Qutab-ud-ding Aibak.

Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra / Image Source