1472540944 Theory of kingship in Early Medieval India PDF

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Theory of kingship in Early Medieval India

 The sultans of Delhi did not have any strong and effective concept of kingship to rule over the masses. However, with the help of military power they enjoyed power and authority but their kingship had no moral, religious or political bases. As a result, there arose mismanagement in governmental affairs, lack of discipline and order throughout the state.  The masses were not loyal to their sultans and did not respect their status and intrigued against them. However, these people could not rebel openly as they feared the military and the harsh punishments they could get as a result.  Ghiyas-ud-din Balban (1200-1287)  After assuming power he realised that it was important to restore the dignity of a ruler and stabilise his position in the eyes of the masses. Therefore, he made efforts to provide the institution some historical and political bases in order to legitimise his rule. He traced his lineage from Afrasiyab, the ancient king of Iran, to prove his right to rule as an inheritor of a great king. Next, he restored his image as not merely the head of the state but strict and brutal in terms of maintaining discipline and order in the society. He showed no mercy to rebels and intriguers. As a result, people became afraid of the punishments that he applied against the enemies of the state.  The theory of kingship propounded by Balban led to the adoption of the policy of blood and iron. Balban was convinced that the only way to face the internal and external dangers was to increase the power and prestige of the Sultan (King).  The theory of kingship propounded by Balban led to the adoption of the policy of blood and iron. Balban was convinced that the only way to face the internal and external dangers was to increase the power and prestige of the Sultan (King). 

‘Sword’ was the chief weapon of Balban to achieve his objectives. He used this weapon with a great vengeance against his rivals, rebels, robbers,

thieves and the invaders. By following this policy, he wanted to create terror in the minds of the people that whosoever dared to challenge the authority of the Sultan, he would not be spared.  On account of this policy he was able to remain at the helm of affairs for about 40 years i.e. 20 years as the Naib/Prime Minister of Nasir-ud-din Mohmud and then after as the Sultan of Delhi. He executed his policy of blood and iron very successfully and raised the prestige and power of the Sultan in the eyes of the nobles and his subjects.  Main principles of Balban’s theory of Kingship:  Main principles of the theory of Kingship were as under:  1. Divine right of Kings:  Balban said that the king was the representative of God on the earth and Kingship was a divine institution. He declared this to make the nobles believe that he got the crown or the Kingship not through their mercy but by the mercy of God. 

‘Sword’ was the chief weapon of Balban to achieve his objectives. He used this weapon with a great vengeance against his rivals, rebels, robbers, thieves and the invaders. By following this policy, he wanted to create terror in the minds of the people that whosoever dared to challenge the authority of the Sultan, he would not be spared.

 On account of this policy he was able to remain at the helm of affairs for about 40 years i.e. 20 years as the Naib/Prime Minister of Nasir-ud-din Mohmud and then after as the Sultan of Delhi. He executed his policy of blood and iron very successfully and raised the prestige and power of the Sultan in the eyes of the nobles and his subjects.  Main principles of Balban’s theory of Kingship:  Main principles of the theory of Kingship were as under:  Divine right of Kings:

 Balban said that the king was the representative of God on the earth and Kingship was a divine institution. He declared this to make the nobles believe that he got the crown or the Kingship not through their mercy but by the mercy of God.

 Ala-ud-din Khilji (1290-1316)  He also realised the importance of maintaining the high image of a king in the state and in the eyes of the people. Although he was illiterate, he had extraordinary knowledge of the art of politics.  Zia-ud-din Barani writes that the sultan once described his theory of kingship by telling that though he was not an educated man and did not study books, he had been careful to prevent rebellions against him. He always implemented rules which were in favour of common people in one way or the other. And if people did not obey his orders and ignored laws, he took stern action against them because his main concern was to maintain peace and order for the welfare of people.  Both Balban and Ala-ud-din following their concept of kingship, thus they successfully ruled over the people....