Qutb ud-Din Aibak, originally a slave and military commander in the service of the Ghurid Empire under Muhammad Ghori, emerged as a prominent figure in the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in northern India. Following the assassination of Ghori in 1206, Aibak, who had demonstrated considerable skill and loyalty in his campaigns, seized the opportunity to declare independence and enhance his power. He captured Delhi and began the process of establishing a centralized administration, which laid the groundwork for an Islamic polity in India.

Aibak's reign marked a significant turning point in Indian history as it initiated a period of vibrant cultural interaction between Hindus and Muslims. He constructed various architectural works, most notably the Qutb Minar, which became a symbol of the new Islamic dominion. His rule was characterized by a synthesis of Persian and Indian cultures, leading to a flourishing of art, architecture, and literature unique to the Indian subcontinent. As the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, Aibak's governance policies and military strategies proved instrumental in consolidating authority over the diverse kingdom.

The establishment of the Delhi Sultanate ushered in a new era of military conquest, political ambition, and cultural amalgamation. Aibak's leadership not only reshaped the political landscape of northern India but also influenced subsequent dynasties that arose during this period. His successors would continue his legacy, expanding the sultanate and reinforcing the power of Islamic rule in India, effectively altering the course of the region's history for centuries to come.