The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c21.2

v3.c21.2

THE claim of Khizr Khān, who founded the dynasty known as the Sayyids, to descent from the prophet of Arabia was dubious, and rested chiefly on its casual recognition by the famous saint Sayyid Jalāl-ud-dīn of Bukhārā. He assumed no title associated with royalty, but was content with the position of viceroy of Shāh Rukh, Tīmūr's fourth son and successor, to whom he is said to have remitted tribute, and with the title of *Rāyāt-i-A‘lā*, or ‘the Exalted Standards.’ His success reunited the Punjab to Delhi, but the turbulent governors and fief-holders who had withheld their allegiance from a lawful master hesitated at first to acknowledge an upstart, until by degrees many of the old nobles of the late dynasty submitted to him and were permitted to retain their former offices and emoluments.