History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c12.122

c12.122

No post was hereditary in the state. Efficiency was in the Sultan's eyes the sole test of public employment. To achieve this object he disregarded the claims of the native nobility in favour of foreigners of merit from the countries of western Asia. There was a dearth of capable officials in Hindustan. A great many of the statesmen, ministers and generals of 'Ala-al-Din's time had died in the ordinary course, and during the reigns of Qutb-al-Din Mubarak and Khusrau nothing was done to encourage talent. The veteran Tughluq Shah had found a few officers of his own calibre, but even he felt the want of capable men. Muhammad Tughluq on his accession found the empire understaffed and turned to the upper classes and the foreigners for help. When these failed him, he