Investiture from the Caliph

Introduction:
The Caliph (Khalifa) was the political and religious leader of the Islamic world. The Sultanate of Delhi was an Islamic state in India that was ruled by a series of Muslim dynasties from the 13th to the 16th century. The relationship between the Caliph and the Sultan was an important one, as the Sultan sought to legitimize his rule through the Caliph's authority.

Answer:
The first Sultan who requested and obtained letters of investiture from the Caliph was Iltutmish. Iltutmish was the third ruler of the Slave dynasty, which ruled Delhi from 1206 to 1290. He ruled from 1210 to 1236 and was a capable and efficient ruler who expanded the Sultanate's territory and strengthened its administration.

Investiture from the Caliph:
Iltutmish's request for investiture from the Caliph was a significant event in the history of the Sultanate of Delhi. It marked a shift in the relationship between the Sultan and the Caliph, as the Sultan sought to establish himself as the Caliph's representative in India. The investiture granted Iltutmish the title of "Sultan-ul-Mujahidin," or "Sultan of the Warriors of Islam," and recognized him as the legitimate ruler of the Sultanate of Delhi.

Significance:
The investiture from the Caliph was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it legitimized Iltutmish's rule and gave him the authority to rule in the name of the Caliph. Secondly, it established the Sultanate of Delhi as an Islamic state that was part of the wider Islamic world. Thirdly, it demonstrated Iltutmish's diplomatic skills and his ability to navigate the complex political landscape of the Islamic world.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Iltutmish was the first Sultan who requested and obtained letters of investiture from the Caliph. This was a significant event in the history of the Sultanate of Delhi, as it established the Sultanate as an Islamic state and legitimized Iltutmish's rule. The investiture demonstrated Iltutmish's diplomatic skills and his ability to navigate the complex political landscape of the Islamic world.