1. The Attarkin Gate (also spelled Atarkin or Adhar-ki-din Gate), an architectural masterpiece built by Sultan Iltutmish in 1230 AD, is situated in Nagaur, near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Specifically, it is the historic southern entrance to the imposing Nagaur Fort complex, also known as the Ahichhatargarh FRead more

    The Attarkin Gate (also spelled Atarkin or Adhar-ki-din Gate), an architectural masterpiece built by Sultan Iltutmish in 1230 AD, is situated in Nagaur, near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Specifically, it is the historic southern entrance to the imposing Nagaur Fort complex, also known as the Ahichhatargarh Fort.

    This structure’s sophisticated design and detailed carvings are widely acknowledged by historians and architectural experts as the primary source of inspiration for Emperor Akbar’s grander, later construction. Akbar’s iconic Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri, completed in 1575 AD, borrowed heavily from the aesthetic and structural elements of the Attarkin Gate to commemorate his military triumph in Gujarat. The gate is a crucial historical landmark managed by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust.

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  2. During Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud’s reign, the Delhi court witnessed a major power struggle between Balban and Imamuddin Raihan. Raihan, a non-Turkish noble, rose rapidly in influence and secured the Sultan’s confidence, which directly threatened Balban’s political stature. The Turkish nobles dislikedRead more

    During Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud’s reign, the Delhi court witnessed a major power struggle between Balban and Imamuddin Raihan. Raihan, a non-Turkish noble, rose rapidly in influence and secured the Sultan’s confidence, which directly threatened Balban’s political stature. The Turkish nobles disliked Raihan’s growing authority, creating a deep factional divide within the administration. Balban viewed Raihan as a serious obstacle in his path to supreme power. Eventually, Balban used political strategy and military support from Turkish nobles to remove Raihan from power, reestablishing his authority in the court. This rivalry shaped Balban’s future rise to the throne.

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  3. During Balban’s rule, Bengal’s governor, Tughril Khan, revolted and declared himself independent, exploiting the distant location of Bengal and local administrative weaknesses. Balban viewed this rebellion as a direct challenge to royal authority. He marched with a powerful army toward Lakhnauti andRead more

    During Balban’s rule, Bengal’s governor, Tughril Khan, revolted and declared himself independent, exploiting the distant location of Bengal and local administrative weaknesses. Balban viewed this rebellion as a direct challenge to royal authority. He marched with a powerful army toward Lakhnauti and conducted one of the harshest campaigns of his reign. Tughril Khan was captured and executed and Balban reorganized Bengal’s administration to prevent future revolts. The suppression of Tughril Khan reaffirmed Balban’s policy of strict governance and demonstrated his readiness to use force to maintain central control. It also restored stability in Bengal and strengthened the Sultanate.

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  4. The Chahalgani or Forty Nobles, established by Iltutmish, had become extremely influential and often interfered in state affairs. Their power threatened the authority of the Sultan, causing instability in the Delhi Sultanate. When Balban rose to power, he realized that strong central rule was impossRead more

    The Chahalgani or Forty Nobles, established by Iltutmish, had become extremely influential and often interfered in state affairs. Their power threatened the authority of the Sultan, causing instability in the Delhi Sultanate. When Balban rose to power, he realized that strong central rule was impossible as long as the Chahalgani held influence. Therefore, he systematically removed their positions, redistributed their responsibilities and denied them political authority. Balban also implemented strict protocols to reduce noble interference in governance. By completely eliminating the Chahalgani, he established a strong, autocratic monarchy focused on discipline order and absolute royal supremacy.

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  5. Before ascending the throne, the prince Jauna Khan (an alternative transcription: Juna Khan) was the name of the future Muhammad bin Tughlaq. He had served in administrative and military roles under his father, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and upon succession in 1325 he adopted the regnal name Muhammad bin TRead more

    Before ascending the throne, the prince Jauna Khan (an alternative transcription: Juna Khan) was the name of the future Muhammad bin Tughlaq. He had served in administrative and military roles under his father, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and upon succession in 1325 he adopted the regnal name Muhammad bin Tughlaq. The dual usage of Jauna/Junа Khan and Muhammad bin Tughlaq appears throughout contemporary and later chronicles describing his life and eccentric reign.

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