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RAS question

Which Delhi Sultan called himself the 'Shadow of God' (Zill-i-Ilahi)?

Correct answer: (C) Balban.

Balban called himself Zill-i-Ilahi, the Shadow of God, to project the Delhi Sultan as a divinely sanctioned ruler.

  1. (A)

    Iltutmish

  2. (B)

    Alauddin Khalji

  3. (C)

    Balban

  4. (D)

    Muhammad bin Tughlaq

Explanation

Balban, who ruled from 1266 to 1287, used Zill-i-Ilahi, or Shadow of God, as part of a larger theory of kingship. The NIOS lesson states that Balban stressed the Sultan's special position as the Shadow of God on earth, and he advanced Niyabat-i-Khudai, the divine right of kings. This was not a decorative title: it justified a more exalted, distant monarchy. His court practice matched that claim through Persian etiquette such as Sijda and Paibos, along with strict decorum and splendour. The title therefore points directly to Balban's attempt to raise royal authority above ordinary noble politics.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (A) NIOS History, Lesson 31A describes Iltutmish as the real consolidator of Turkish rule in north India, but the Zill-i-Ilahi title is attached to Balban, not to him.
  • (B) Alauddin Khalji is not associated with the Shadow of God title; his self-image is instead identified with the title Second Alexander.
  • (D) Muhammad bin Tughlaq belongs to a later phase known for experimental reforms, while the divine Shadow of God claim belongs to Balban's kingship.

Concept

Delhi Sultanate political ideology used titles, court etiquette and divine-right language to strengthen monarchy. RAS often links titles like Zill-i-Ilahi with chronology and the administrative and cultural features of medieval rule.

Source

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