Introduction

In the history of medieval India, few rulers stand out as vividly as Ghiyasuddin Balban, a towering figure of the Delhi Sultanate whose reign was marked by a fierce determination to restore order, power, and prestige to the throne. Balban’s Theory of Kingship, coupled with his ruthless policy of “blood and iron,” transformed the Sultanate during his rule from 1266 to 1287.

His approach to governance was shaped by the challenges of his time—internal revolts, external threats from Mongol invaders, and a fractured state weakened by the incompetence of his predecessors. This article explores Balban’s life, his revolutionary theory of kingship, the practical measures he took to enforce it, and the lasting impact of his policies on the Delhi Sultanate.

Balban’s Rise to Power

Balban’s ascent to the throne in 1266 came at a tumultuous time for the Delhi Sultanate. The state was in disarray following the death of Iltutmish, a capable ruler whose successors failed to maintain the Sultanate’s strength. The royal treasury was depleted, the Sultan’s prestige had plummeted, and the Turkish nobles, known as the “Forty,” had grown arrogant and powerful, undermining the crown’s authority. As historian Zia-ud-Din Barani noted, “The fear of the governing power, which is the basis for all good government and the source of glory and splendor to the state, had departed from the hearts of all men, and the country had fallen into a wretched condition.”

Adding to these internal challenges were external threats, particularly from Mongol invasions that endangered the Sultanate’s borders. Balban, who had served as Naib (Prime Minister) for 20 years under Sultan Nasir-ud-din Mahmud, understood the gravity of the situation. His experience as a trusted advisor and his background as a former slave who rose through the ranks gave him a unique perspective on power and governance. When he became Sultan, he was determined to restore the glory of the monarchy and establish an unchallenged authority.