Was Iltutmish a Usurper King?

Was Iltutmish a Usurper King?

ILTUTMISH TOMB

The accession of Iltutmish is a debatable issue. Some of the historians opine that he had forcible snatched the crown from Aram Shah who the real successor of Aibak. Hence he was a usurper. They put forth the following arguments in support of their view:

1. He was slave of a slave, and the nobles of Ghori and Aibak were not prepared to accept him as their Sultan.

2. He had not concern with the tribe of Aibak.

3. He killed Aram Shah, the real successor of Aibak in order to get the throne. Hence the nobles of Lahore had enthroned him.

But some modern historian do not agree to this view and they consider Iltutmish to be an independent ruler of Delhi who got the throne by his own valour and ability. They produce the following views in support of their theory:

1. He was not a usurper and there was nothing that he usurped. The Turkish state was divided and Iltutmish was a representative of the nobles of Delhi. He was elected to the throne by them.

2. There was no law of succession. Aram Shah was a weak and lazy ruler whereas Iltutmish was a brave and intelligent lieutenant. Hence his selection was according to the need of the time.

3. He was a free man at the time of his accession.

4. He was son-in-law of Aibak who had no son, hence his claim to the throne was justified and the charge of usurping the throne does not hold.

Dr. R. P. Tripathi has also remarked in this context, “The sovereign powers of Iltutmish were based on three things. First, he has elected by the officials, Second, he had the right of conquest and power to enforce obedience; Third, he had been formally recognized by the Caliph of Baghdad.”

Milan Tomic

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