Before becoming Sultan, Balban served as 'Naib-i-Mamlakat' (regent or deputy) to which Sultan of Delhi?

Before becoming Sultan himself, Ghiyasuddin Balban served as the "Naib-i-Mamlakat" (regent or deputy of the kingdom) to Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud (ruled 1246-1266).

About Balban's career:

• Balban was a Turkish slave of the Ilbari tribe, purchased by Iltutmish.
• He rose through the ranks under Iltutmish and his successors.
• He became the most powerful noble at the court.
• He helped Nasiruddin Mahmud, a grandson (or son) of Iltutmish, to become Sultan in 1246.
• Nasiruddin Mahmud gave him the title "Ulugh Khan" and made him "Naib-i-Mamlakat", in 1249.
• Balban also married his daughter to Nasiruddin Mahmud, strengthening his position.
• For about 20 years, Balban was the real ruler of the kingdom, while the Sultan was mainly a figurehead.
• He defended the kingdom against the Mongols, suppressed rebellions, and controlled the nobles.
• After the death of Nasiruddin Mahmud in 1266 (who had no son), Balban became the Sultan.

About Nasiruddin Mahmud:

• He was known as a pious, simple and religious ruler.
• According to tradition, he lived simply, copying the Quran to earn his own living, though historians doubt some of these stories.
• He left the work of government largely to Balban.
• The famous history "Tabaqat-i-Nasiri" was dedicated to him.

Balban as Sultan:

• He ruled from 1266 to 1287.
• He strengthened the authority of the Sultan and followed a policy of "blood and iron".
• He organised the army and the intelligence system.
• He built the Red Palace (Kasr-i-Lal) in Delhi.
• His tomb in Mehrauli (Delhi) is believed to have the first true arch in India.

His successors:

After his death, his grandson Kaiqubad became Sultan, but the dynasty soon came to an end.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Iltutmish was Balban's original master.
• ✗Razia and Bahram Shah ruled before Nasiruddin Mahmud.