Twilight of the Sultanate c12.s2.33

c12.s2.33

Having removed Hamīd from the political arena, Bahlūl moved with utmost tact to gain the confidence and support of the Delhi nobility. By his extreme generosity he was soon able to win them over to his side.⁸⁰ Thereupon he wrote to Sultan 'Alāuddīn thus : "Since I was brought up through the kindness of your father, I have put the ungrateful Hamīd in chains. I consider myself your regent for this country, and am ready to secure to you the empire which was wrested from your hands. Nor will I prevent the Khutba from being read in your name". 'Alāuddīn wrote back : "Since my father addressed you as son, I consider you as my elder brother. I have therefore made over the government to you and have contented myself with the pargana of Badaon. Would to God the Sultanate of Delhi might prosper under you".⁸¹ 'Alāuddīn's reply exhilarated Bahlūl. He held a coronation Darbār and ascended the throne on 19 April, 1451 (17 Rabiul Avval, 855 H)⁸² with the title of Sultan Abul Muzaffar Bahlūl Ghāzī.⁸³