The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206–1290 A.D. c12.52

c12.52

Barani fails to record the subsequent events of the unfortunate boy-king's reign; some of his coins have however, come to light². According to Yahya Sirhindi, he reigned for a little over three months³. Having finally dispersed his opponents Firoz installed the king in his father's palace at Kilokhri and proceeded to settle the administration on his behalf. He offered the deputyship of the kingdom to Malik Chajju, one of Balban's nephews, and asked for the provinces of Multan, Bhatinda and Dipalpur for himself. Chajju, too proud to receive any office as a gift from the Khalji, refused the offer and preferred the governorship of Karra and Manikpur instead, whither he immediately repaired with the surviving members of Balban's family. A similar offer to the kotwal having also been refused⁴, Firoz was obliged to accept the regency himself. Kaiqubad in the meantime met with an ignominious end; as he lay motionless on his bed, unattended and in hunger and thirst, a Khalji trooper, sent by harem who was then seated on the throne. His offer of the regency to Malik Chajju and his own ultimate acceptance of the office is said to have followed the death of Kaiqubad, who was left under the pavilion and died on the next day of hunger and thirst. Isami, however, makes it clear that Kaiumars's elevation to the throne took place in his father's life time but is said to have been done by Firoz himself, pp. 199-200.