Balban faced the challenge of overcoming his humble origins as a former Turkish slave. To gain greater acceptance among the nobility, he crafted a prestigious lineage, claiming descent from Afrasiyab, a heroic figure celebrated in Persian literature, especially the Shahnama. This association allowed Balban to portray himself as a member of a distinguished warrior family, strengthening his royal image. The claim improved his political standing, helped justify his absolutist rule and enabled him to command greater respect from nobles who valued aristocratic ancestry. Through this strategy, Balban successfully reshaped his identity to support his powerful governance.