Era of Balban (1246-1287) : Medieval Indian History

Ghiyasuddin Balban rose from obscurity to become the ruler of an extensive empire. He succeeded in establishing his authority and strengthening it so effectively that there was no threat to his rule till the death of Nasiruddin Mahmud. Balban envisioned a powerful and strong empire, free from all internal and external disturbances, and created institutions and strategies to achieve this vision.

Balban was all powerful in the administration but he had to face the intrigues of his rivals in the royal court. He knew that the real threat to the monarchy was from the nobles called the Forty. He was convinced that only by enhancing the power and authority of the monarchy he could face the problems.

According to Balban the Sultan was God’s shadow on earth and the recipient of divine grace. Balban introduced rigorous court discipline and new customs such as prostration and kissing the Sultan’s feet to prove his superiority over the nobles.

He also introduced the Persian festival of Nauroz to impress the nobles and people with his wealth and power. He stood forth as the champion of Turkish nobility. Indian Muslims were not given important post in the government. He appointed spies to monitor the activities of the nobles.

Balban was determined to break the power of the Forty, the Turkish nobles. He spared only the most obedient nobles and eliminated all others by fair or foul means. Malik Baqbaq, the governor of Badaun, was publicly flogged for his cruelty towards his servants. He established a separate military department – diwan-i-arz — and reorganized the army.