Muhammad Ghori designated Qutubuddin Aibak as

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

Qutubuddin Aibak began his career as a slave purchased by Muhammad Ghori. Over time, due to his exceptional military skill, loyalty, and competence, Aibak rose through the ranks. Muhammad Ghori formally designated Qutubuddin Aibak with the title of **Malik**. The term 'Malik' signifies a military commander or governor, placing Aibak in charge of Ghori's Indian territories after the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 AD) and subsequent conquests. It is crucial to note that this title was a designation of authority and trust, allowing Aibak to rule as Ghori's representative, but it was not the title of an independent king.

The incorrect option is 2: **Lakhbaksha** was a popular *epithet* or nickname given to Qutubuddin Aibak, meaning 'giver of lakhs' (a hundred thousand), due to his extraordinary generosity. It was not a formal designation or title bestowed upon him by Muhammad Ghori.

The incorrect option is 3: **Sultan** was the title Qutubuddin Aibak adopted *after* Muhammad Ghori’s death in 1206 AD, when he formally established the Delhi Sultanate. Muhammad Ghori himself never conferred the title of Sultan upon Aibak.

The incorrect option is 4: **Subedar** is a rank or title that roughly corresponds to a provincial governor, but this term became more formally associated with the administrative system of the later Mughal Empire. The designation given to Aibak by Ghori for ruling his Indian territories was the more significant title of Malik.