UPSC Prelims 2003 Q125: Medieval History – Delhi Sultanate
How did Sultan Qutb - ud - din Aibak die?
- (a) He was treacherously stabbed to death by one of his ambitious nobles
- (b) He was killed in a battle with Taj - u - din Yildiz, the ruler of Ghazni who entered into a contest with him over the capture of Punjab
- (c) He sustained injuries while besieging the fortress of Kalinjar in Bundelkhand and succumbed to death later
- (d) He died after a fall from his horse while playing Chaugan
Answer: (d) He died after a fall from his horse while playing Chaugan
Explanation
Death of Qutb-ud-din Aibak
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Fell from a horse while playing chaugan (polo) | Yes — at Lahore, in 1210 |
| Stabbed by a noble | No |
| Killed in battle with Yildiz | No |
| Injured at Kalinjar | No |
Qutb-ud-din Aibak died in 1210 at Lahore after a fall from his horse while playing chaugan, the polo game.
Answer: (d) He died after a fall from his horse while playing Chaugan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. He was not stabbed.
- (b) Incorrect. He did not die fighting Yildiz.
- (c) Incorrect. He captured Kalinjar in 1202 and did not die there.
- (d) CORRECT. He died of a fall while playing chaugan at Lahore.
Key point
Aibak: ruled 1206-10; Iltutmish succeeded; Lakh Baksh.
Remember
Aibak died in 1210 in a polo accident at Lahore.
Common mistakes
- Thinking he was assassinated like Razia later.
- Mixing his death with the fight against Yildiz of Ghazni.
- Forgetting the polo accident at Lahore.
Exam tip
Aibak died in a polo accident at Lahore in 1210.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India
- Minhaj-i-Siraj — Tabaqat-i-Nasiri (translated by H. G. Raverty)