The Persian court customs of 'sijda' (prostration) and 'paibos' (kissing the Sultan's feet) were introduced in the Delhi Sultanate by:

The Persian court customs of "sijda" (prostrating before the Sultan) and "paibos" (kissing the Sultan's feet) were introduced in the Delhi Sultanate by Ghiyasuddin Balban (ruled 1266-1287).

About these customs:

• "Sijda" required people to prostrate themselves before the Sultan, touching the ground with their foreheads.
• "Paibos" required them to kiss the feet (or the throne) of the Sultan.
• These practices were borrowed from the traditions of the ancient Persian (Sasanian) kings.
• Their purpose was to increase the dignity, prestige and power of the Sultan, and to make the nobles and people regard him with awe.
• They were controversial, as some Muslims regarded sijda as un-Islamic, since prostration is meant only for God.

Balban's ideas of kingship:

• Balban believed that the Sultan's power should be absolute, and that the nobles should be kept firmly under control.
• He believed that the Sultan should be of noble birth, and he claimed descent from the legendary Persian king Afrasiyab.
• He kept a strict and dignified court, and never laughed or joked in public.
• He introduced the Persian festival of "Nauroz" (New Year) at the court.
• He refused to give high posts to people of low birth.
• He broke the power of the old Turkish nobles who had dominated the court.

His policy of "blood and iron":

• He used strict and harsh measures to suppress rebels, robbers and the Mewatis, and to defend the north-west against the Mongols.
• He organised an efficient spy system.

Earlier career:

Before becoming Sultan, he was the most powerful noble at the court, and held the title of "Ulugh Khan".

Historians' views:

• Barani gives a detailed account of Balban's ideas of kingship.
• Balban is regarded as one of the strongest rulers of the Mamluk dynasty.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Iltutmish, Alauddin Khalji and Qutbuddin Aibak did not introduce these customs.