The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.277

v3.c20.277

These projects had been considered at the royal symposia for some time before 'Alā-ul-Mulk the *Kotwāl*, who by reason of his corpulence was excused from attendance at court oftener than once a month, was commanded to deliver his opinion upon them. After demanding that the wine should be removed and that all but the king's most intimate associates should withdraw he deprecated 'Alā-ud-dīn's wrath and proceeded to speak his mind. Innovations in religion, he said, were for prophets, and not for kings. Their success depended not on might, nor on power, but on the will of the Lord of Hosts. It was useless for a king, however great, to attempt the foundation of a new religion, for unless he were truly inspired of God he would not long be able to deceive himself, much less the world.