Minhaj Us Siraj

Minhaj Us Siraj (Abu Osman Minhajuddin bin Sirajuddin), was a 13th-century Persian historian born in 1193 in Ghor region in modern Afghanistan. His father was in service of Mohammad Ghori, as spiritual teacher.

Siraj first worked as a teacher in a madarasa under Nasiruddin Qubacha. He was brought to Delhi and provided protection by Iltutmish. In 1231, when Iltutimish attacked Gwalior, Siraj was with him. Iltutmish appointed him as Qazi and Imam of Gwalior. During Razia’s reign, he was appointed as principal of Madarasa in Delhi. During reign of Muiz ud-Din Bahram, Siraj was appointed to the post of Chief Qazi.

Later, during the reign of Nasiruddin Mahmud, Minhaj Us Siraj was made a court poet. Tabakat-e-Nasiri text, written by Siraj, is dedicated to Nasiruddin Mahmud. In Tabaqat-e-Nasiri, Nasiruddin Mahmud has been described as the most ideal Sultan of Delhi. He died in Delhi, during the reign of Balban.