History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c20.s2.6

c20.s2.6

With the passing of time a stable government gradually dispelled the anarchic conditions that had followed 'Alāuddīn's death. Repose and contentment began to appear among men. Whereas the new king was ease loving and generous by nature, his confinement and early privations had made him still more kind-hearted. The beginning of his reign, therefore, heralded the birth of a liberal era. On the day of his accession he had ordered the release of all prisoners. Men exiled for various offences were ordered to be returned home. This wise about seventeen or eighteen thousand prisoners were set free. He also granted a reward equal to six months' salary to the army and increased the stipends and allowances of the officers and the learned, and "the people had *tankahs* and *jitals* ringing in their pockets once again." A large number of jāgīrs, which had been reclaimed into the Khālsā by 'Alāuddīn, were returned. Heavy fines and taxes were abolished and extortionist devices like flogging and incarceration were prohibited in the Revenue Department. The sultan ordered that applications of the suppliants should be submitted to him,—a practice which had become obsolete for some time. He personally perused the petitions and wrote orders on them.²²