Question

Who was the greatest of the two — Iltutmish or Balban? Give reason for your answer.

Answer 1

Iltutmish was the greatest ruler because of the following reasons :

1. The Turkish nobles who had challenged his claim to the throne were suppressed.
2. The revolt of the Khilji governor of Bengal was crushed.
3. The power of his external rivals, the rulers of Ghazni and Multan, was destroyed.
4. A new danger presented itself when the Mongol chief, Chenghiz Khan, reached the borders of India in pursuit ofthe Shah of Persia (Iran). The Shah had fled towards India in search of Shelter. Iltutmish politely refused to give him refuge and by doing so he saved India from the threat of the Mongol invasion.
5. After having got rid of his enemies, Iltutmish defeated the Rajput rulers of Ujjain, Ranthambore, Malwa and Gwalior. He brought the whole of North India up to the river Narmada under his control. The Caliph of Baghdad recognized him as the sovereign of India.