Why Was Slave Dynasty Called So?
The Slave Dynasty, also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, was a Muslim dynasty that ruled parts of India from 1206 to 1290 AD. It is called the Slave Dynasty because the founders of the dynasty were slaves who rose to power. In this article, we will explore in detail why the Slave Dynasty was called so.
Background
- The Slave Dynasty was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who was a slave of Muhammad Ghori, the Sultan of Ghur.
- After Ghori's death, Aibak became the ruler of Delhi Sultanate, which was then a part of the Ghurid Empire.
- Aibak was followed by his successors, who were also slaves or descendants of slaves.
Reason for the Name
The Slave Dynasty is called so because its founders were slaves who rose to power. The term "slave" here refers to the fact that they were originally slaves or servants of the Ghurid Empire before becoming rulers themselves. It does not refer to the fact that they kept slaves themselves or were involved in the slave trade.
The Mamluk System
The Slave Dynasty was part of the Mamluk system, which was prevalent in the Muslim world at that time. Mamluk means "owned" or "possessed," and it referred to slaves who were trained as soldiers and then became rulers or administrators. The Mamluk system was prevalent in Egypt, Syria, and other parts of the Muslim world.
The Mamluk system was based on the idea that slaves could be loyal and efficient rulers because they had no tribal or family loyalties that could interfere with their duties. They were also trained as soldiers from a young age, which made them effective rulers in times of war.
Legacy of the Slave Dynasty
- The Slave Dynasty was the first Muslim dynasty to rule India.
- Their rule was characterized by the construction of several important monuments, including the Qutub Minar and the Alai Darwaza.
- The Slave Dynasty also established the Delhi Sultanate, which was a Muslim sultanate that ruled over much of India until the Mughal Empire took over in the 16th century.
Conclusion
The Slave Dynasty was called so because its founders were slaves who rose to power. It was part of the Mamluk system, which was prevalent in the Muslim world at that time. The legacy of the Slave Dynasty includes the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate and the construction of several important monuments.