2021-07-22 Thu

Ghiyath Al-Din Balban was the ninth sultan of the Mamluk dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. He was one of the most prominent Sultan of Delhi Sultanate. He ruled Delhi Sultanate between 1266 CE and 1287 CE.

Ghiyath Al-Din Balban was a slave of the slave of Iltutmish and belongs to the Illabari tribe of the Turks. Initially, he started his career, doing menial jobs but later on, he progressed in his career by becoming first the chief huntsman of Raziya. He was appointed as a Wazir by Nasir Al-Din Mahmud, the last sultan of the Mamluk Dynasty. Later, from the post of Wazir, he was ascended to the throne of Delhi. This journey from being a slave to the throne of Delhi was not less than a miracle. Balban was one of the most powerful rulers of the sultanates between Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji.

This gold tanka that weighs around 10.88g was issued by Ghiyath Al-Din Balban during his reign from the mint Hazrat Delhi.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction