Arrange the following Delhi Sultanate rulers in the order in which they ascended the throne, beginning with the earliest:
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Razia Sultan
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Ghiyas ud din Balban
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Qutb al-Din Aibak
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Iltutmish
Which of the following correctly represents the chronological sequence?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. 3 → 4 → 1 → 2.
The correct sequence begins with Qutb al-Din Aibak, who founded the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty in 1206 after the death of Muhammad Ghori. He laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate. After him, Iltutmish ascended the throne and is considered the real consolidator of the empire; he introduced the silver Tanka and copper Jital. Following Iltutmish, his capable daughter Razia Sultan became the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in 1236. Later, Ghiyas ud din Balban rose to power; known for his strict “blood and iron” policy, he strengthened the monarchy and suppressed nobles. Thus, the correct chronological order reflects the rise of early Mamluk rulers and their administrative evolution.