Qutb al-Din Aibak
| Qutb ud-Din Aibak | |
|---|---|
| Sultan of Delhi | |
| File:Qutb ud-Din Aibak.jpg Grave of Qutb ud-Din Aibak in Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore | |
| Reign | 25 June 1206 – 14 November 1210 |
| Coronation | 25 June 1206 |
| Predecessor | Muhammad of Ghor |
| Successor | Aram Shah |
| Born | 1150 Turkestan |
| Died | 14 November 1210 (aged 60) Lahore, Delhi Sultanate (present-day Pakistan) |
| Burial | Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore |
Qutb ud-Din Aibak (Persian: قطبالدین ایبک; 1150 – 14 November 1210) was a general of the Ghurid emperor Muhammad Ghori. He was in charge of the Ghurid territories in northern India, and after Muhammad Ghori's assassination in 1206, he established his own independent rule in Lahore, laying the foundations for the Sultanate of Delhi. A native of Turkestan, Aibak was sold into slavery as a child and rose to become a prominent military leader.
Early Life
Aibak was born in c. 1150 in Turkestan. He belonged to a Turkic tribe called Aibak. As a child, he was separated from his family and sold into slavery. He was purchased by a Qazi at Nishapur in Persia, where he was educated and trained in archery and horse-riding. He was later sold to Muhammad Ghori in Ghazni, where he rose to the position of the officer of the royal stables.
Military Career
After the Ghurid victory in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192, Muhammad Ghori appointed Aibak in charge of his Indian territories. Aibak expanded Ghurid power in northern India by conquering and raiding several places in the Chahamana, Gahadavala, Chaulukya, and Chandela kingdoms.
Persecution of Hindus and Destruction of Temples
During his military campaigns, Qutb ud-Din Aibak was responsible for the destruction of numerous Hindu temples and the persecution of Hindus. His campaigns often involved the plundering of temples and the looting of their wealth. Notable instances include:
- The destruction of temples in Ajmer and the construction of the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra mosque using the materials from demolished temples[^1^][1].
- The desecration of the famous university of Nalanda by his lieutenant, Bakhtiyar Khilji, who killed monks and scholars and burned the library[^2^][2].
- The demolition of temples in Delhi to build the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque[^3^][3].
Reign as Sultan
After Muhammad Ghori's assassination in March 1206, Aibak fought with another former slave-general, Taj al-Din Yildiz, for control of the Ghurid territories in north-western India. He eventually established his capital at Lahore and was officially recognized as the ruler of India by Ghiyasuddin Mahmud, Muhammad Ghori's successor.
Legacy
Aibak is known for commissioning the Qutb Minar in Delhi, which was later completed by his successor Iltutmish. He also started the construction of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Delhi and the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra mosque in Ajmer.
Death
Qutb ud-Din Aibak died in 1210 from injuries sustained in a polo match. He was buried in Lahore, where his tomb still stands.
References