Twilight of the Sultanate c14.s6.35

c14.s6.35

Sikandar Lodī tackled the problems of civil administration with tact and ability. According to 'Abdulla during his reign countless Amīrs belonging to the Afghan tribe had gathered round him. This immigration of Afghans was in pursuance of the invitation extended by his father and continued after him. Bahlūl's state policy as well as his attitude towards his tribesmen had given them power at the cost of the crown. Sikandar would have nothing of the kind. He, therefore, dealt with the problem of the Afghan nobility in two ways. Firstly, he tried to raise their standard of culture and education. He spared no pains to educate the Afghan chiefs and clansmen, and according to Nizāmuddīn education spread among the Amīrs, sons of Amīrs and soldiers.¹⁴⁹ According to 'Abdulla, the Sultan insisted on people being modest, honest and polite in manners. The nobles abandoned their feuds and duels and "the road of disorder and unrest was closed". They chose to remain content with their assignments and passed their lives in the greatest security and happiness.¹⁵⁰