Balban

Al-Sultan al-Azam Ghiyath al-Dunya Wal Din Abu'l Muzaffar Balban, more commonly known as Ghiyath al-Din Balban, was born in the year twelve hundred and one. He rose to prominence as the ninth Mamluk sultan of Delhi, having initially served as the regent for the last Shamsi sultan, Mahmud, until Mahmud's death in twelve sixty-six. Following this, Balban declared himself the sultan of Delhi, marking the beginning of a significant era in the region's history.

Originally named Baha-ud-Din, Balban was an Ilbari Turk who faced a tumultuous youth. Captured by the Mongols, he was taken to Ghazni and sold to Khawaja Jamal-ud-din of Basra, a Sufi. In twelve thirty-two, he was brought to Delhi along with other slaves, all of whom were purchased by the notable ruler Iltutmish. Balban was part of the renowned group of forty Turkic slaves that served under Iltutmish, which played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the time.

Throughout his reign, Balban achieved several military conquests, particularly as a wazir. He successfully routed the Mewat people who posed a threat to Delhi and reconquered Bengal, all while managing the persistent Mongol threat, which tragically resulted in the loss of his son. After Balban's death on January thirteenth, twelve eighty-seven, his grandson Qaiqabad was nominated as sultan, although his rule did not maintain the successes achieved during Balban's reign.

Despite having limited military achievements, Balban's legacy lies in his significant reforms in civil and military administration. His efforts led to a stable and prosperous government, earning him recognition as one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, alongside Shams ud-Din Iltutmish and Alauddin Khalji.