Option b is the correct answer. Balban, the Sultan of Delhi, is known for following the policy of "blood and iron." This policy involved ruthless measures, the use of force, and shedding blood to maintain control and suppress internal revolts and external invasions. Balban's rise from a humble position to the rank of Sultan was achieved through his strict and harsh approach. He eliminated enemies, betrayed rulers, engineered revolts, and executed harsh punishments to instill fear. Balban's policy of "blood and iron" was driven by the need to strengthen the monarchy, deal with a loose administration, control the powerful "Corps of Forty," address revolts, and counter the threat of Mongol invasions. Important Tips Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266 - 1286): Balban, also known as Ulugh Khan, was one of the greatest rulers of the Slave Dynasty. He abolished the Chahalgani, a group of forty nobles who held considerable power, to enhance the authority of the monarchy. Balban recognized that the main threat to the monarchy came from the nobles, called Chahalgani. He believed in strengthening the power and prestige of the ruler. He regarded the Sultan as the divine representative on earth. He introduced Persian customs like sizda (prostration), paiba (kissing the Sultan's feet), jamnibas (kissing hands), and Naurauz (Persian New Year). Balban established the Diwan-I-Ariz, a defense department to strengthen the military. He took strict measures against robbers and dacoits, making Delhi's roads safer for travel. Balban excluded Indian Muslims from significant positions and marginalized non-Turks from administrative roles. His approach to justice was characterized by extreme impartiality. Balban adopted a "blood and iron" policy to deal with the Mongol threat and fortified the western frontiers. He sent his son Mahmud to fight against the Mongols. Tragically, Mahmud died in battle against the Mongols, leading to Balban's grief-stricken decline in health and eventual death in 1286.