Ghiyasuddin Balban sought to transform kingship into an exalted, near-sacred institution. By assuming the title Zill-e-Ilahi—literally “Shadow (or Representative) of God”—he underscored the monarch’s divine endorsement and demanded reverence from subjects and nobles. Balban reformed court rituals, strictened discipline and enforced severe punishments for dissent to elevate royal dignity. These measures were intended to curb aristocratic autonomy and consolidate centralized authority. The title and associated ceremonial innovations helped Balban impose a new model of absolute monarchy within the Delhi Sultanate, elevating sovereignty above rival power centers.