History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c7.s3.3

c7.s3.3

Another plan of 'Alāuddīn was to repeat the role of Alexander, and carry his conquests far and wide. As Edward Gibbon aptly remarks "So long as mankind shall continue to bestow more liberal applause on their destroyers than on their benefactors, the thirst for military glory will ever be the vice of the most exalted characters."²³ The praises of Alexander transmitted by a succession of poets and historians have kindled the imagination of many an ambitious prince, and 'Alāuddīn is only one of them. He used to consult his intimate companions on the plan of leaving a viceroy at Delhi to carry out the administration, and himself marching out and bringing to his feet both east and west as the Greek emperor had done. He even caused himself to be styled Sikandar Sāni (Alexander the Second) in his coins as well as in the public prayers.