Muslim Slave System in Medieval India c13.10

c13.10

The Sultan was very diligent in obtaining slaves, and towards that end he issued a *farman* to his *amils* and *jagirdars* to capture slaves whenever they were at war, and to pick out and send the best for the service of the court. When the feudatories went to the court, each one according to his ability took with him beautiful slaves, dressed in clean attire, elegant caps, turbans and socks, in short, ornamented in the most splendid style. They also, when they paid annual visits brought, together with other things, slaves for the Sultan This regulation remained in force for forty years throughout the reign. The chiefs who brought many slaves received the highest favour, and those who brought few received proportionately little consideration. When the chiefs perceived the Sultan's eagerness for slaves, and that their efforts to get them were highly appreciated, they exerted themselves in providing them, and the numbers brought every year exceed description.