The Bandagan-i-Khas during the rule of Delhi Sultans referred to the

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innkeepers

royal slaves

Dak-carriers

guards of the State stable

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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The correct answer is B) royal slaves. The term “Bandagan-i-Khas” translates to “special slaves” or “royal slaves” in Persian. During the Delhi Sultanate, rulers, particularly the early Mamluk (Slave) sultans like Iltutmish and Balban, relied heavily on a corps of specially trained slaves, often of Turkish or Central Asian origin, for military and administrative positions. These slaves were loyal directly to the Sultan and formed the backbone of the state machinery.

– “Bandagan” means slaves, and “Khas” implies special or royal.
– These royal slaves were highly trained and held significant power and positions in the Sultanate.
– They were a deliberate policy of the sultans to create a loyal support base independent of the turbulent nobility.

The recruitment and promotion of loyal slaves into military and administrative ranks were a characteristic feature of the Mamluk Sultanate in Delhi, inherited from similar systems in other parts of the Islamic world. These slaves were purchased, educated, and trained for service and could rise to high positions, including governorships and military command.

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