History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c6.5

c6.5

Just after the assassination of Jalāluddīn, Malik Ahmad had returned to the capital and astounded everybody with the news of the terrible tragedy. There was no time for Malka-i-Jahān to shed tears over the death of the King, for the loss of even a little of it would have meant the passing of the throne to her husband’s murderer. She was a woman of ambition, and therefore, even without consulting the nobles,² she proclaimed her youngest son Qadr Khan as king with the title of Sultan Ruknuddīn Ibrāhīm. The Queen mother and her son left Kilughari and took up residence in the Kaushak-i-Sabz (the Green Palace). She began to rule in his name, received petitions and issued orders. At Multan, Arkali Khan felt bitterly against the injustice of his mother for setting his claims aside.³ He had had some dispute with her even in the life time of Jalāluddīn, but now he was so much incensed at her action that he stayed back at Multan, and did not even come to Delhi to claim the throne. Arkali was brave no doubt, but he was peevish and harsh by temperament, and was not quite beloved of his parents.⁴