Who were the Tajiqs?

Correct option is C

Information Booster:

• The Tajiqs were Non-Turkish foreign amirs, primarily Persian or Iranian in origin, who held important positions in the Delhi Sultanate, especially during the early period.

• The ruling elite of the early Delhi Sultanate (especially under the Slave Dynasty) included both Turks and Tajiqs.

• While the Turks dominated the military leadership, the Tajiqs were often civil administrators, scholars, and Persian-speaking elites.

• They played a vital role in the administrative setup, helping introduce Persian culture, language, and bureaucratic practices in India.

• During Iltutmish’s reign, tensions sometimes emerged between Turkish nobles and Tajiq officials.

Additional Knowledge:

• Turkish foreign amirs – Refers to Turkish-origin nobles, not Tajiqs.

• Turkish slaves – These were part of the military elite, but not Tajiqs.

• Qutbi Amirs – Refers to nobles loyal to Qutb-ud-din Aibak, not an ethnic group like the Tajiqs.

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