Introduction:
The first Sultan of Delhi to emphasize the divinity of the king was Balban. He ruled as the ninth Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate from 1266 to 1287. Balban's reign marked a significant shift in the political and religious ideologies of the Delhi Sultanate.

Background:
The Delhi Sultanate was established in 1206 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak after the defeat of the last Hindu ruler, Prithviraj Chauhan. The early sultans, including Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish, focused on consolidating their political power and maintaining control over the vast empire. However, it was during Balban's reign that the idea of kingship as a divine institution gained prominence.

Emphasizing the Divinity of the King:
Balban believed in the concept of divine kingship, which held that the ruler was not just a political leader but also a representative of God on Earth. He sought to establish a sense of awe and reverence for the king among his subjects. Balban adopted various measures to reinforce this ideology.

1. Strengthening of Centralized Authority:
Balban centralized power in his own hands and diminished the influence of the nobles. He reduced their power and authority, making the king the ultimate decision-maker. This consolidation of power helped bolster the perception of the king as a divine figure.

2. Titles and Ceremonies:
Balban adopted grand titles for himself, such as "Zill-i-Ilahi" (Shadow of God) and "Naib-i-Khuda" (Deputy of God). He introduced elaborate court ceremonies and rituals to highlight his divine status. These included prostration before the king, kissing the ground in his presence, and strict rules of etiquette.

3. Reinforcement of Social Hierarchy:
Balban reinforced the existing social hierarchy, with the king at the top and the subjects at the bottom. He emphasized the idea of the king as the protector and benefactor of the people, thereby strengthening the perception of his divine role.

4. Punitive Measures:
Balban implemented strict laws and punishments to maintain his authority. He believed that the king's power should not be questioned, and any dissent or rebellion was dealt with harshly. This further solidified the notion of the king's divinity and his infallibility.

Conclusion:
Balban's reign marked a significant shift in the ideology of kingship in the Delhi Sultanate. By emphasizing the divinity of the king, he sought to establish a strong centralized authority and reinforce the obedience and loyalty of his subjects. Balban's ideas and practices had a lasting impact on the subsequent rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and shaped the political and religious landscape of medieval India.