Balban

• Also known as Ulugh Khan.

• Ascended the throne in 1266 CE after Nasiruddin Mahmud.

• Introduced rigorous court discipline and new customs to assert supremacy of monarchy over

nobility.

• Emphasized peace over expansion of Sultanate.

• Aim: Strengthen monarchy and reduce power of Chahalgani (Corps of Forty)

• Strong believer of Theocratic (religious authority) form of government.

• Declared himself descendent of Iranian king Afrasiyab and the shadow of God.

• Excluded Indian muslims, only entertained Turkish nobility.

• Included Persian practices like “Paibos (prostration)” and “Sijda (kissing monarch’s feet)”,

and Persian Nauroz ceremony.

• Maintained distance in court.

• Main evidence of his authority was the military. Created Diwan-i-Arz, a separate department

for the army.

• Appointed Barids (spies) to keep an eye on government officials.

• Believed in absolute despotism (authority or power).

• Emphasised on tripartite relationship between God, Sultan, and People.

• Blood and iron policy: Being ruthless to enemies.