The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206–1290 A.D. c8.22

c8.22

This imposition of its authority over the eastern province was but a poor consolation, for the Delhi state at the moment needed political security more than suzerain status. When Aibak died in 607/1210, of injuries recieved in a fall from his horse while playing *chaugan*¹, the clouds on the northwest were gathering thick and fast. He read the portents and did his best to preserve Delhi's separate entity. A military leader of great energy and high merit, he combined the intrepidity of the Turk with the refined taste and generosity of the Persian; extreme liberality earned him the epithet of "*Lakh Buksh*" (giver of lakhs), while, characteristically enough, his killing is also said to have been by lakhs². Both Hasan Nizami and Fakhre Mudir found in him an appreciative patron and dedicated their works to him³. On two occasions, at least, he interceded with his master for the vanquished Hindu princes⁴. It hardly needs emphasising that to his untiring exertion and devoted service Muizzuddin owed most of his success in India. For he merely supplied the motive power; Aibak was responsible for the detailed planning and initiation of the Delhi state.