The History of Fīrūz Shāh (Baranī) 4.7

4.7

This leniency of the Sultan towards the captive nobles did not please the Khilji nobles, and they whispered to each other that the Sultan did not know how to rule, for instead of slaying the rebels he had made them his companions. Malik Ahmad Chap, deputy lord chamberlain, a personal attendant and counsellor of the Sultan, told him that a King should reign and observe the rules of government, or else be content to relinquish the throne. He had shewn great attention to those prisoners who deserved death, and had made them his guests. He had removed the fetters of rebels who all deserved punishment, and had set them free. Malik Chhaju, who for several months had caused the khutba to be read in his name in Hindustan, and who had struck coins, he had sent in a litter to Multan, with orders to keep him secluded, but to supply him with wine, fruit, food, and garments, and whatever he required. When such an offence, the worst of all political offences, had been passed over without punishment, how could it be expected but that other rebellions would break out and disturbances arise. The punishments awarded by kings are warnings to men. Sultan Balban, who never forgot his dignity and power, visited rebellious and political offences with the greatest severity, and how much blood did he shed? If the Sultán and his followers were to fall into their hands, no name or trace of the Khiljís would be left in Hindústán.