The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.345

v3.c20.345

TUGHLUQ’S¹ ascent of the throne recalls that of Jalāl-ud-dīn Fīrūz Khaljī. Both were aged warriors called upon to restore the dominion of Islam, menaced by the extinction of the dynasties which they had long served, but here all similarity between them ends. The powers of Fīrūz were failing when he was called to the throne, and his reign would have closed the history of his family but for the usurpation of his unscrupulous but vigorous nephew. Tughluq, on the other hand, though old, was in full vigour of mind, and during his short reign displayed none of the contemptible weakness of Fīrūz. He was able to enforce many of the salutary laws of ‘Alā-ud-dīn and to enact others which restored order in a kingdom which had nearly passed from the grasp of Islam. He enjoyed the advantage of pure Turkish lineage, his elevation excited no jealousy among the nobles who had formerly been his equals, and he was able, within a week of his accession, to pacify the capital, and within forty days his sovereignty was everywhere acknowledged.