Early Life of Iltutmish (Shams-ud-din Iltutmish)

Early Life of Iltutmish

Shams-ud-din Iltutmish was the son of an Ilbari chief. He was very handsome and promising, and so he became the favorite of his father. But his brothers and relatives became jealous of him, and they sold him away to a horse-dealer.

Having passed through many masters, Iltutmish was finally purchased by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. By virtue of his merits, he won the trust and confidence of Aibak.

In 1205, Iltutmish exhibited valor and heroism in the fight against the Khokhars. Under Aibak, he was appointed the governor of Badaun where he had to do a lot of fighting against Gahadvala chiefs. He exhibited during these wards such firmness, ability and capacity for military leadership that a majority of the nobles at Delhi decided to make him the successor of Aibak.

The account given by Minhaj-i-siraj leaves the impression that he married one of Aibak’s daughters after his elevation to the throne. But other chroniclers ascribe this marriage to the life-time of Aibak.