Why is Iltutmish regarded as the first independent Muslim sovereign of India ?

The correct answer is - He was given a letter of investiture by the Caliph

Key Points

• Letter of Investiture by the Caliph
  • Iltutmish is considered the first independent Muslim sovereign of India because he was officially recognized by the Abbasid Caliph.
  • The Caliph's letter of investiture legitimized his authority and marked his political independence from regional powers.
  • This recognition elevated Iltutmish's status as a sovereign ruler rather than just a regional governor.
• Significance of Caliph's Recognition
  • The letter of investiture symbolized religious and political legitimacy in the Islamic world.
  • It established Iltutmish as the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate to be acknowledged as a legitimate Islamic sovereign.

Additional Information

• Iltutmish's Achievements
  • He successfully consolidated the Delhi Sultanate by defeating rivals such as the Rajputs, Khiljis, and local rulers.
  • He introduced the Iqta system, a form of land revenue management, to streamline administration.
  • Iltutmish also shifted the capital from Lahore to Delhi, establishing it as the center of his rule.
• Role of the Khutba
  • The Khutba is a sermon read in the ruler's name during Friday prayers, symbolizing political authority.
  • Though Iltutmish had the khutba read in his name, his recognition by the Caliph carried greater significance for his sovereignty.
• Legacy of Iltutmish
  • He laid the foundation of a strong and centralized Delhi Sultanate, which became a dominant power in medieval India.
  • His reign marked the beginning of a distinct Indo-Islamic cultural and political identity.