Page:The Architecture of Ancient Delhi Especially the Buildings Around the Kutb Minar 1872 by Henry Hardy Cole.djvu/105

 Masjid-i-Kutb-ul-I slcim. 6 9 Photograph X. VIEW OF THE GREAT ARCHES OF THE MASJID. — a ^S^ HE life of Kutb-ud-din, who was the founder of a monarchy of " slave" kings, is Kutb-ud-dm. typical of the history of the Turki slaves who frequently rose to authority and even sovereignty throughout Asia, and for some period furnished a series of Indian rulers. It would seem that these slaves were often purchased by noble- men and kings for high prices and were prized on account of their animal strength or cleverness, qualities which in many cases raised them far above their social position. Kutb-ud-din-Aibik was of a brave and virtuous disposition ; open and liberal to his friends, courteous and affable to strangers. In the art of war and good government he was inferior to none, nor was he a mean proficient in literature. In his childhood he was brought from Turkistan to Nishapur, and there sold by a merchant to Kazi Fukr-ud-din Bin Abdul Aziz Kufi who, finding that Heaven had endowed him with genius, sent him to school, where he made considerable progress in the Persian and Arabic languages, as well as in science. His patron and master dying suddenly, he was sold as part of the estate by the executors, and having been bought for a considerable sum, was presented for sale to Moiz-ud-din Muhammad Ghori ; that Prince purchased him and called him by the familiar name of Aibik, from having his little finger broken. Aibik conducted himself so much to the satisfaction of his new master, that he attracted particular notice and daily gained his confidence and favour. One night, his master having given a grand entertainment at court, ordered a liberal distribution of presents to be made among his servants. Aibik partook of this munificence, but had no sooner retired than he divided his share among his companions. The king hearing of the circumstance asked the cause, and Aibik kissing the earth replied, that all his wants were so amply supplied by his majesty's bounty, that he had no desire of burdening himself with superfluities, provided he retained his sovereign's favour. This answer so pleased the king that he