Question

The first Sultan who requested and obtained letters of investiture from the Caliph (Khalifa) was
1. Alauddin Khilji
2. Iltutmish
3. Balban
4. Firuz Tughlug

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Iltutmish

The correct answer is Iltutmish.

• Iltutmish (1211-1236):
  • ​He completed the famous Qutab Minar in Delhi.
  • He shifted his capital from Lahore to Delhi.
  • The Mongol policy of Iltutmish saved India from the wrath of Ghengis Khan.
  • He was the first Sultan who requested and obtained letters of investiture from the Caliph.

• ​Alauddin Khalji was an emperor of the Khalji dynasty. 
  • Alauddin was a nephew and son-in-law of the Jalaluddin Khalji, founder of the Khalji dynasty.
  • He ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1296–1316.
  • He adopted the title "Sikander-i-Sani."
  • Introduced Chehra and Dagh system.
  • Alauddin built the Siri Fort, The Hauz-i-Khas, Alai Darwaza.
• Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266-1287):
  • ​He was the greatest ruler of the Slave dynasty.
  • Balban started the rigorous court discipline and new customs called Paibos (prostration and kissing the Sultan's feet) to prove his superiority over the nobles.
  • He broke the power of forty, Turkish nobles, who were the real threat to the monarchy.
  • His tomb is located in Mehrauli, Delhi
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq:
  • He was the third ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty that ruled over Delhi from 1320 to 1412 AD.
  • He was a cousin of Mohammad Bin Tughlaq and was offered the crown by the nobles.
  • Made 'Iqta system' hereditary.
  • Wrote the autobiography "Futuhat-i-Firogshahi".