The History of Fīrūz Shāh (ʿAfīf) 2: Second Mukaddama. — Firoz Sháh's Education in the Duties of Royalty.

2

Firoz Sháh was fourteen years old when Sultán Tughlik Sháh ascended the throne. The Sultán was engaged for four years and a half in travelling about his dominions, and during that time Firoz Sháh attended him, obtaining full knowledge of all public business transacted by the Sultán. On the death of Sultán Tughlik he was succeeded on the throne of Dehlí by Muhammad Sháh. At the accession of this monarch Firoz Sháh was eighteen years of age. He was appointed deputy of the lord chamberlain (náib-i amír-hájib), with the title of Náib Bár-bak, and received the command of 12,000 horse. The Sultán was exceedingly kind and generous to him, and keeping him constantly near his person he used to explain to him, with much intelligence, all affairs of State that came up for consideration. Even at this period Firoz Sháh showed himself very kind and generous to the poor, and when any case of distress came before him he was prompt to relieve it. When Muhammad Sháh divided the territories of Dehlí into four parts, as the author has fully explained in his Manákib-i Sultán Muhammad, he placed one part under the charge of Firoz Sháh, so that he might acquire experience in the art of government. The wise have said that the man who can perform the duties of one charge may guide the affairs of a State and accomplish the government of a kingdom. So the clear-sighted Sultán Muhammad placed Firoz Sháh over a fourth part of his kingdom, in order that, with the Divine favour, he might become an adept in all political matters.
It is commonly said that Sultan Muhammad Shah used to keep Firoz Shah continually at work in various matters, and the statement is true. But this labour was not imposed upon him out of any ill-feeling, for, had the king disliked him, he would have sent him far from his court. Muhammad Shah was an illustrious king, and a most intelligent and able man, so much so that he was remarkable for his talents among the great men of Dehli. His object was to train Firoz Shah, so that he might become thoroughly versed in the duties of royalty. Thus Firoz Shah completed his forty-fifth year under the tuition of Sultan Muhammad Shah.