Delhi Sultanate, Khiljis: Rukn Al-Din Ibrahim, Jital

Delhi Sultanate, Khiljis: Rukn al-din Ibrahim (695 AH, 1296 AD), Jital

Immediately after the murder of Jalal-ud-din Firuz 'Ala-ud-din was proclaimed Sultan. The division in Firuz's family helped 'Ala-ud-din's cause. In total disregard of Arkali Khan, the eldest surviving son, the queen-mother Malikah-i-Jahan declared her second son, Qadr Khan, as Sultan with the title of Rukn-al-din Ibrahim.

The supporters of Arkali Khan at Delhi refused to recognize Ibrahim. Ala-ud-din lost no time and marched on Delhi with "iron in one hand and gold in the other". At Bada'un, he met an army sent from Delhi but it was won over by lavish distribution of gold. As Ala-ud-din approached Delhi, Ibrahim came out to give a fight but the bulk of his army deserted him. Ibrahim was forced to flee to Multan with the queen-mother and Ahmed Chap. Ala-ud-din marched into Delhi and resided in the Red Palace of Balban on Oct. 20, 1296.

After reorganization, he sent Ulugh Khan and Zafar Khan with a large army to Multan to deal with the sons of the late Sultan Firuz. Multan was besieged and the city surrendered. Arkali Khan, Ibrahim, and Ahmad Chap were taken captive alongwith the queen-mother. The two princes were blinded and later executed, while the queen-mother was kept under surveillance at Delhi.

Obverse Al-sultan Al-Azim Rukn Al-Dunya Wa Al-Deen (The Sultan, the greatest one, the pillar/foundation of the world and of the faith)


Here is a crude illustration depicting my take on the legend.


Reverse Ibrahim Shah Bin Firoz Shah (Ibrahim Shah, son of Firoz Shah)



(Ref. R980, Goron D212, Tye 416.1; Rare)

Break-up of the inscription:
Obverse

First line: Alif+Lam=Al
Sin (medial)+Lam+Toe+Alif+Nun (detached form)=Sultan
Alif+Lam=Al
Second line: 'Ain (initial form)+Zoe+Mim=Azim
Ra+Kaf+Nun=Rukn
Alif+Lam=Al
Da (of Dunya)
Third line: Nun+Ye (medial form)=Dunya
Waw=Wa
Alif+Lam=Al
Da+Ye+Nun=Deen

Reverse

Alif+Be+Ra+Alif+He+Ye+Min=Ibrahim
Shin (initial form)+Alif+He (detached form)=Shah
Be+Nun=Bin
Fe+Ye+Re+Waw+Ze=Feroz
Shin (initial form)+Alif+He (detached form)=Shah