Question

How did Iltutmish strengthen his empire?

Answer 1

He conquered Multan and Bengal from contesting rulers and Ranthambore and Siwalik from their rulers.

He expanded his domain by defeating the Muslim rulers of Ghazni, Multan and Bengal, which had previously annexed some of his territories and threatened his domain. He conquered the latter two territories and made further conquests in the Hindu lands, conquering the fort of Ranathambhore and the lands of Gwalior and the fort of Mandur.

He added many changes to the Sultanate, re-organising the monetary system and the nobility as well as the distribution of grounds and fiefs, and erected many buildings, including Mosques, Khanqas (Monasteries), Dargahs (Graves) and a Hauz (reservoir) for pilgrims.

Shams ud-din Iltutmish much strengthened the power of the Delhi Sultanate and of Islam in India, although his kindred and heirs were not as politically gifted, with no ruler comparable to him in the area until the time of Ghiyasuddin Balban.

Answer 2

Iltutmish was the slave of Quṭb ud-Dīn Aibak, who succeeded him as the Sultan of Delhi Sultanate. He strengthened his empire by suppressing the revolts of Turkish nobles. He destroyed the power of his internal and external enemies, for instance, he destroyed the rulers of Gazni and Multan and defeated the Rajput rulers of Malwa, Ujjain, and Gwalior. To give more strength to his empire he formed Chalisa or forty consisted of 40 loyal slaves Amirs, who helped him to suppress various revolts.