History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c2.s1.22

c2.s1.22

The treatment meted out to the partisans of Chhajjū and the Thugs encouraged some enterprising barons to indulge in loose talk at convivial parties. The sultan even got an inkling of the affair but overlooked it saying that the people who planned under the spell of intoxication should not be taken seriously. One of these days a grand drinking party was held at Malik Tājuddīn Kūchī's, a nobelman of some consequence. As the cups went round, some one opined that the Khaljīs were a worthless lot with the possible exception of Aḥmad Chap.²⁷ At least Jalāluddīn was quite unfit to rule, and the crown would well adorn the head of Malik Tājuddīn Kūchī. They all swore allegiance to their host, one promising to kill the sultan with a hunting knife, another with a sword. When the intelligence of the incident reached Jalāluddīn he sent for them and reprimanded them severely. Taking out his sword he threw it before them saying, "If any one of you is man enough he shall take up this sword and come face to face with me." The tension of the situation was relieved by the sweet-tongued Nuṣrat Ṣubāḥ, the Sardāwātdār, who himself had uttered some nonsense at the meeting. He told the sultan that they could never think of plotting against a king who was so dignified, generous and patient, and who treated them almost as his own sons; nor should he think of their destruction as he could not find such faithful and loyal Maliks and Malikzādās such as they. The king was silenced, his anger was subsided, and he pardoned them all but for a token punishment to some.²⁸