History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c19.3

c19.3

Contemporary historians speak little about the king’s personal features, but they throw sufficient light on his character and qualities. The sultan was almost without any literary education, though like Akbar and Ranjit Singh after him, he confirmed by example the Tennysonian dictum “that only those who cannot read can rule.”¹ But though unlettered, ‘Alāuddīn possessed sufficient commonsense, experience and wisdom which multiplied with age. Learned historians like Amīr Arslān Kulāhī, sincere nobles like ‘Alāulmulk, and orthodox *‘ulamās* like Qāzī Mughīsuddīn were always ready to tender advice to him on important matters. ‘Alāuddīn’s early association with the veteran Malik ‘Alāulmulk, who guided his feet to the throne, must also have contributed to his store of wordly wisdom, which he possessed in a considerable degree. 'Alāuddīn took pride in his counsellor-generals Alp Khān, Nuṣrat Khān, Ulugh Khān and Ẓafar Khān. In his later years he was influenced by the evil genius of Kāfūr. There is, however, no reason to think that the sultan was under the influence of any one of these. The life-story of 'Alāuddīn shows that he was a self-willed man, and did not listen to anybody's advice when he was determined on something; still, it is also true that he consulted his noblemen on perplexing problems and listened to their suggestions patiently.