The first sultan of Delhi who strove to make monarchy hereditary was Balban.

Balban, whose original name was Baha ud-Din, was a powerful and influential ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He ascended the throne in 1266 and is known for his efforts to establish a hereditary monarchy in Delhi.

Consolidation of Power:
- Balban was a loyal and capable general under his predecessor, Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud. After Nasiruddin's death, Balban took advantage of the political instability and seized power.
- He faced several challenges to his authority, including rebellions by nobles and Mongol invasions. However, Balban successfully suppressed these uprisings and established his control over the Delhi Sultanate.
- He adopted a strong and autocratic style of governance to consolidate his power. Balban introduced various measures to ensure the loyalty of the nobility and to centralize authority in his hands.

Efforts to Establish Hereditary Monarchy:
- Balban aimed to make the monarchy hereditary, which means that the throne would pass on from father to son. This was in contrast to the previous practice of electing a new ruler from among the nobility.
- He believed that a hereditary monarchy would provide stability and prevent power struggles and rebellions after the death of a ruler.
- Balban appointed his eldest son, Muhammad, as his successor and trained him in administration and warfare to ensure a smooth transition of power. He also appointed his other sons to important positions in the government.

Repressive Policies:
- Balban implemented strict measures to maintain control and discipline within his kingdom. He established a highly centralized administration and appointed spies to monitor the activities of the nobles.
- He introduced a system of espionage and secret police to suppress dissent and any potential threats to his rule.
- Balban was known for his harsh punishments and strict enforcement of law and order. He made public appearances to instill fear in the minds of his subjects and discourage any form of rebellion.

Legacy:
- Balban's efforts to establish a hereditary monarchy set a precedent for future rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. His successors, such as Ala-ud-din Khalji and Firuz Tughlaq, also attempted to establish dynastic rule.
- Balban's autocratic style of governance and repressive policies laid the foundation for the centralization of power in the Delhi Sultanate, which continued in the subsequent dynasties.

Overall, Balban's reign marked a significant shift in the political structure of the Delhi Sultanate, as he strove to establish a hereditary monarchy and consolidate his power through authoritarian rule.