Qaraqush Khan, Ikhtiyar al-Din Aytegin

   A slave offi-cer of Iltutmish (1211-1236) who was of Kara Khatai origin. In his early career, Qaraqush was appointed as intendant (shihna) of royal domains (khalisah) at Tabarhind. For some time, he also held Mul-tan as his iqta'. In 1240, Raziya Sultan installed him at Lahore. He supported Raziya's attempt to regain the throne in 1240. In the same year, he abandoned Lahore to the Mongols but returned on their withdrawal. After the accession of Mas'ud Shah in 1242, Qaraqush Khan was made amir-i hajib.