Q113
History of IndiaDelhi Sultanate
Name the Sultan of Delhi who first introduced the north-west frontier policy.
- a.Iltutmish
- b.Balban
- c.Raziya
- d.Alauddin Khalji
Answer: (B) Balban
Balban (1266–87) was the first Sultan to adopt a systematic north-west frontier policy against the Mongols. He built and garrisoned a line of forts (Bhatinda, Sunam, Samana, Dipalpur), placed the frontier under able commanders such as Sher Khan and later his son Prince Muhammad (killed fighting the Mongols in 1285), and kept a strong army at Delhi instead of pursuing new conquests. He is also known for the policy of "blood and iron", breaking the Chahalgani (the Forty) and introducing sijda and paibos. Iltutmish had merely avoided Chengiz Khan by diplomacy; Alauddin Khalji repelled later Mongol raids.