Who among the following started the ceremony of ‘Sijda’ (prostration) and ‘Paibos’ (kissing of the monarch’s feet), in the court?

The correct option is Ghiyasuddin Balban.

Ghiyasuddin Balban, one of the most prominent rulers of the Delhi Sultanate who ruled from 1266 to 1287 CE, introduced the strict court etiquette of ‘Sijda’ (prostration before the king) and ‘Paibos’ (kissing the feet of the monarch).

Balban believed in the divine right of kingship and took several steps to enhance the prestige and power of the Sultan. He claimed to be the representative of God on Earth (Zil-i-Ilahi) and asserted that the king was second only to God (Niyabat-i-Khudai).

To establish the absolute authority of the crown and compel nobles to maintain strict discipline and decorum in the royal court, Balban introduced these Persian customs:

• Sijda: Bending down and touching the ground with the forehead to show submission to the ruler.
• Paibos: Prostrating and kissing the feet of the Sultan as a sign of respect and obedience.

By enforcing these rituals, Balban successfully broke the influence of the powerful nobility group known as Chahalgani (The Forty) and firmly established the supreme authority of the Sultanate.