Illtutmish was the real founder of Sultanates of Delhi.' Build your own argument on the statement with relevant facts. (2011)

Answer:
Introduction: The foundation of Delhi Sultanate was laid down by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the slave of Muhammad Ghuri, in 1206; yet, illtumish is considered as the real founder of the Delhi Sultatate because of few underlying reasons. Illtumish was the son in law of Aibak and took over the throne in 1210, just after four years of rule by Aibak.

Real Founder of Delhi Sultanate:
Illtumish is considered as the real founder of Delhi Sultanate on many grounds. The first and foremost reason is that illtumish regained the lost territory and consolidated his rule. He fought with Yalduz, Qubacha and Ali Mardan, whom did not accept his rule. He defeated yaldiz, who occupied Lahore after his expulsion from ghazni, in the Tarain. Furthermore, he also defeated Nasir ud din qubacha, who was the ruler of Sindh and Western Punjab at that time. This proves that Illtumish consolidated his authority over the Sultanate.

Secondly, an administrative system is essential for smooth running of an empire. It was Illtumish who outlined the administrative setup of the Sultanate such as iqtas, currency, and army. He shifted the capital from Lahore to Delhi. Moreover, He introduced iqta system in which lands were granted to Turkish noble officers in lieu of salary. The land holders were called as iqtadars. The iqtadars used to collect revenue from the territories under them. The revenue generated was used by the iqtadars for maintenance of the army, enforcing law and order, and their personal expenses. Furthermore, Illtumish also introduced the currency of Delhi Sultatne i.e. silver tanka and copper jittal.

Thirldy, illtumish received a robe of honor and a patent of investiture from the caliph of Baghdad who recognized him as the sultan of India. This honor gave more legitimacy to Illtumish rule.

Conclusion: Although, there are many other achievements of Illtumish during his rule like thwarting the mongol invasion of India and some other notable achievements in the field of architecture, but the aforementioned points are the underlying reasons that Illtumish can be considered as the real founder of Delhi Sultanate.