Altunia, Malik Ikhtiyar al-Din

(?-1240)

   A slave noble of Shams al-Din Iltutmish (1211-1236) who served as the commandant of Sirhind during the reign of Raziya Sultan (1236-1240). He re-volted against her, along with several other Turkish nobles in 1240. This revolt was an outcome of the general resentment over favors shown by Raziya Sultan to Jamal al-Din Yaqut, an Abyssinian, serving as master of horses (amir-i akhur). After Yaqut was captured and executed by the rebellious nobles, Raziya won Altunia over to her side by marrying him. Subsequently, Altunia fought on Raziya's side against the nobles who had proclaimed her brother Mu'izz al-Din Bahram Shah as the new sultan. Altunia and Raziya were defeated near Delhi in September-October 1240. While fleeing after their defeat, they were captured and put to death by the local chiefs in the territory of Kaithal.