Analyse Turkan-i Chihilgani. Discuss the role played by Turkan-i Chihilgani as kingmakers after the death of Iltutmish.

Turkan-i Chihilgani, also known as the “Forty Ladies,” were a notable group of influential women during the era of the Delhi Sultanate in medieval India. Their significance emerged following the demise of Sultan Iltutmish in 1236, as they played a pivotal role as kingmakers in the subsequent political landscape.

After Iltutmish’s passing, his son Rukn ud-Din Firuz ascended to the throne. However, his rule was short-lived as he was swiftly overthrown by his mother Shah Turkan and the Forty Ladies. This marked the beginning of their political influence and their control over the Delhi Sultanate’s throne.

Under the leadership of Shah Turkan, the Turkan-i Chihilgani wielded substantial power and influence over state affairs. They held sway over the court, administration, military, and decision-making processes. By strategically arranging marriages between their daughters and influential noble families, they further consolidated their power and forged valuable alliances.

As kingmakers, the Turkan-i Chihilgani presided over a tumultuous period of instability and political intrigue within the Delhi Sultanate. Motivated by their desire to perpetuate their dominance, they manipulated the succession process to ensure the continued rule of their own family. Their involvement often led to the installation and removal of multiple sultans, particularly those who posed a threat to their authority.

However, their dominion faced resistance from powerful nobles and rival factions within the court. Turkan-i Chihilgani encountered numerous challenges, including uprisings, rebellions, and internal power struggles. Despite these obstacles, they managed to exert their influence over the throne for a significant period, skillfully placing several puppet rulers in power.

The influence of the Forty Ladies gradually declined with the ascent of Balban, a military commander who became Sultan in 1266. Balban sought to centralize power in his own hands, thereby marginalizing the Turkan-i Chihilgani’s influence. With the waning power of the Forty Ladies, their era as kingmakers eventually came to an end.

To summarize, Turkan-i Chihilgani played a crucial role as kingmakers in the Delhi Sultanate following the death of Iltutmish. Through their political maneuvering, strategic alliances, and matrimonial ties, they exerted significant control over the throne and state affairs for a considerable duration. However, their dominance faced challenges and ultimately succumbed to the rise of a strong military ruler. Nonetheless, their legacy as influential women who shaped the political landscape of medieval India remains an important and intriguing chapter in history.