Qutab-ud-din Aibak was born to a central Asia Turk family in 1150. In his childhood, he was captured and sold as a slave to the chief Qazi of Nishapur. The Qazi treated him like one of his sons. He received good education and training in the fields of archery and horsemanship. After the death of the Qazi, his sons sold him to a slave merchant. He was lucky to be purchased by Mohammed Ghori.
With his pleasing character and qualities, Qutab-ud-din Aibak became the slave general of Mohammed Ghori. After winning most of the significant regions of northern India, he was appointed as Ghori's Viceroy to Delhi. After the death of Ghori in 1206, the Turkish Amirs and generals selected Aibak as the new Sultan. Ascending the throne in 1206, he shifted the capital first from Ghazni to Lahore, and then from Lahore to Delhi.
Among his remarkable contributions are Qutab Minar, a landmark in history, and Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, which was built to mark his victory over Rai Pithora.
Aibak died in 1210 after falling from a horse while playing polo. He is buried near the Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore. A new tomb was constructed over his grave around 1970.
