History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c14.27

c14.27

On his accession 'Alāuddīn appointed Khvājā Khatīr to the office of Vazir. Khvājā Khatīr was a man of experience and wisdom and had served under Balban and Jalāl-uddīn. A great civil administrator, he was, however, not a militarist. Failing to come up to the expectations of his master, who was building a military state, he was superseded by Nuṣrat Khān in 1297. Nuṣrat was a great military leader. He led successful expedition to Gujarat and died fighting at Ranthambhor. He was also well known for his monetary extortions from the people. Another Vazir mentioned by Ferishtah is Saiyyad Khān, "the notorious," about whom not much is known. It is difficult to say as to when Malik Tājuddīn Kāfūr *Hazārdinārī* was appointed naib of the sultan. He was more a Vazir of the king than of the state.¹² His only qualifications were that he was a great military leader as also a favourite of the sultan. Thus in 'Alāuddīn's time Vizarat was conferred on military leaders and this is not surprising because 'Alāuddīn had to fight the Mughals and at the same time conquer new lands.