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

Balban, also known as Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, was a powerful ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in medieval India. He ruled from 1266 to 1287 AD. Balban played a crucial role in strengthening the Sultanate and establishing it as a hereditary monarchy. His policies and actions aimed at consolidating power and ensuring the succession of his descendants to the throne.

1. Rise to Power
- Balban was a Turkic noble who initially served as a slave under the reign of Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
- Due to his loyalty and military skills, Balban rose through the ranks and became an influential figure in the sultanate.

2. Measures to Strengthen Monarchy
- Balban was determined to establish a strong and stable monarchy. He believed that a powerful central authority was essential for maintaining law and order.
- He implemented strict measures to suppress rebellion and consolidate his rule.
- He established a network of spies and informers to keep a close watch on nobles and potential rivals. This strengthened his control over the nobility and prevented challenges to his authority.
- Balban also introduced a strict code of conduct for the nobles to maintain discipline and loyalty. This helped in centralizing power under the sultan.

3. Succession Planning
- Balban was committed to ensuring the hereditary succession of his descendants to the throne.
- He married his eldest daughter to the heir apparent, Nasiruddin Mahmud, who later became the next sultan.
- Balban also married his other daughters to influential nobles and commanders, thereby creating strong alliances and ensuring support for his successors.
- By securing marriages within the nobility, Balban aimed to strengthen the legitimacy and stability of his dynasty.

4. Conclusion
- Balban's efforts to make the monarchy hereditary laid the foundation for future sultans to establish their dynasties in Delhi.
- His policies of centralization, surveillance, and succession planning were instrumental in consolidating the power of the Delhi Sultanate and ensuring its continuity for several centuries to come.