History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c1.19

c1.19

Nizāmuddīn’s death paralysed Mu‘izzuddīn’s government. Despite his intriguing nature, he was an able and shrewd administrator. There was no one fitted to take his place. Mu‘izzuddīn was as bad as ever. For some time he had complied with his father's wishes but then “the reins of his heart slipped away from his hands” and once again his concupiscence began to grow boundless. Constant drinking completely wrecked his health, and the little stability that there was in the government was shaken out of it.²¹ It was at this juncture that Jalāl-uddīn Fīroz Khaljī, governor (Naib) of Samanah and Sarjāndār of the court, was sent for by the king. On his arrival he was given the title of Shayasta Khān,²² the fief of Baran, and the portfolio of the Minister of War (‘Ariz-i-Mumalik). Malik Aitmar Kachhan and Malik Aitmar Surkhāh, two noblemen of Balban were made Master of Ceremonies (Barbak) and Vakīl-i-dar respectively. Thus an interim arrangement was decided upon and an attempt was made to run the tottering administration. Jalāluddīn was a born soldier and had for long fought the Mughals on the north-west frontier. He was a man full of experience and was incapable of any wrong action.²³ Soon the Turkish nobles grew jealous of his position. Suddenly the sultan was attacked with paralysis. His condition gradually deteriorated and there was no hope of his recovery. Factions multiplied and recriminations intensified. The situation, however, was eased for the time being by the prompt action of some influential Balbanī nobles, who placed an infant son of Mu'izzuddīn²⁴ on the throne and gave him the title of Shamsuddīn. Jalāluddīn Shayasta Khān was appointed his deputy (Naib) and important posts and portfolios were distributed among capable officers. In this way kingship "remained in the house of Balban (Turks and did not fall into the hands of some one (of another race)."