Sultan Balban's Reign (1270s)

Timeline

1. 1270–1273Delhi court · IndiaAfter formally taking the title of sultan, Balban gradually eliminated the Forty (Chahalgani) nobles who had controlled the government, using executions, exile, and dismissal to dismantle their power, and appointing trusted associates and military slaves to key military and political posts.
2. 1274–1277Delhi Sultanate realm · Ganges PlainBalban elevated sultanate court ceremonial, required officials to perform proskynesis, and expanded an elite force of Turkic and Afghan military slaves (bandagan), using a centrally controlled army to counterbalance regional magnates and tribal powers.
3. 1278–1279North India and the northwestern frontier · PunjabIn the late 1270s North India suffered a severe famine, and Balban strengthened grain distribution and public security; meanwhile Mongol forces were active along the northwestern frontier, and the Sultanate accelerated construction of border fortresses and postal relay stations, preparing for his later personal campaign against the Bengal rebellion.