The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206–1290 A.D. c15.13

c15.13

Towards the end of the 12th century, Nizamul-Mulk laid down the following rules for the guidance of the muqti³. “They (the muqtis) should know that their right over the subjects is only to take the rightful amount of money or perquisite (mal-i-haqq) in a peaceful manner....the life, property and the family of the subject should be immune from any harm, the muqtis have no right over them; if the subject desires to make a direct appeal to the Sultan, the *muqti* should not prevent him. Every *muqti* who violates these laws should be dismissed and punished....the *muqtis* and *walis* are so many superintendents over them as the king is superintendent over other *muqtis*.....After three or four years, the *amils* and the *muqtis* should be transferred so that they may not be too strong." There is no mention, however, of their rights and liabilities in other matters of government such as army, revenue and justice, but there are instances in Seljuq and also in Khwarizmi history showing that the *muqti* had his own contingents equipped and maintaned out of the revenue of his province, the rest of which went to the central government¹.