Introduction:
Ghiyasuddin Balban was a powerful ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in India. He adopted the title of Zil-i-Ilahi, which means "the Shadow of God." This title reflected his position as a representative of God on earth and his authority as a ruler.

Explanation:
The title of Zil-i-Ilahi can be understood in the following ways:

1. Representative of God:
By adopting the title of Zil-i-Ilahi, Balban positioned himself as the representative of God on earth. This implied that his authority and power were derived from God, and he acted as the intermediary between God and the people. As the ruler, he was responsible for upholding justice, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the welfare of his subjects. Balban's adoption of this title emphasized his divine legitimacy and reinforced his position as a ruler chosen by God.

2. The Shadow of God:
The title Zil-i-Ilahi can also be interpreted as "the Shadow of God." This suggests that Balban's rule and actions were meant to reflect the divine will and emulate the qualities of God. Like a shadow, Balban was meant to follow and imitate God's teachings, ensuring that his rule was in line with divine principles. As the Shadow of God, Balban was expected to exercise his authority with wisdom, justice, and compassion, just as God does.

Conclusion:
Ghiyasuddin Balban adopted the title of Zil-i-Ilahi to signify his role as the representative of God on earth and to emphasize his commitment to ruling in accordance with divine principles. This title reflected his authority as a ruler and his responsibility to uphold justice and ensure the welfare of his subjects. By adopting this title, Balban sought to legitimize his rule and establish himself as a ruler chosen by God.