Qutb al-Din Aibak

Timeline

1. c. 1150–1190Ghur · AfghanistanAibak was sold into slavery in childhood, later entered Mu'izz ad-Din's service, and rose gradually through bravery and loyalty. In the 1180s he took part in several expeditions against North India, becoming one of the sultan's most relied-upon military commanders.
2. 1192–1206Delhi · DelhiAfter the great victory at Tarain in 1192, Mu'izz ad-Din entrusted Aibak with managing Indian affairs; based at Delhi he continued southern campaigns and consolidated the conquests. During this stage he began the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the foundations of the Qutub Minar, and trained successors such as Iltutmish.
3. 1206–1210Lahore · PunjabAfter Mu'izz ad-Din's assassination in 1206, Aibak proclaimed himself sultan at Lahore, founding the Mamluk dynasty. During his brief reign he continued Islamic architectural and administrative construction; he died accidentally in a polo match in 1210 and was succeeded by Iltutmish.