The Political Situation of Badaun during the Mamluk Era (602-689 AH / 1206-1290 AD)

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to shed light on the political situation of the city of Badaun: the extent of its connection with the capital Delhi, the number of rulers who governed it during the Mamluk era (602-689 AH/1206-1290 AD), and its most prominent governors, especially those who later became sultans.
 Methods: Relying on Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and English sources and references, the study adopts the historical approach. It is divided into three sections. The first provides background information on the location of Badaun, while the second focuses on the Islamic conquest of Badaun during the Ghurid era (543-612 AH/1148-1215 AD). The third section tackles the political situation of Badaun during the Mamluk era (602-689 AH/1206-1290 AD).
 Results: Due to its significance, the city was strongly connected with the capital Delhi. Badaun was ruled by no less than fourteen governors, the first of whom is Qutbuddin Aibak and the last King Baqbak Sargandar. Not only were its rulers considered among the most important governors of India, they were so respected and valued by the sultans of Delhi that some of them became sultans.
 Conclusions: Badaun was considered one of the most important fiefdoms, allocated to powerful rulers in the first half of the seventh century AH / thirteenth century AD. Its most prominent governors include Qutbuddin Aibak (the founder of the Mamluk Sultanate), Shams al-Din al-Tamash, Rukn al-Din Firuz Shah, and Ghiyath al-Din Balban, all of whom who assumed the throne of the Sultanate of Delhi.