History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c12.269

c12.269

Each governor had a local militia which was paid from the treasury of the state and he was required to supply his quota for purposes of imperial defence in time of need. Away from the capital, the provincial satraps had often to act on their own responsibility, with the result that the continued enjoyment of absolute authority led ambitious men to attempt to shake off the yoke of the sovereign power. During the early part of his reign the provinces were held in a firm grip by Muhammad, and the contemporary chronicler speaks with approval of the *farmans* and mandates which were issued to the *Wālis* and *nāibs* in the provinces. Tributes and presents were sent to Dihli with a regularity never seen before.¹¹⁵ But when the ‘Centurions’ found their way into the provinces, a peculiar situation developed, which the Sultan found it difficult to control. His retaliatory attitude completed the ruin of all his schemes, and despite his efforts to restore order the governors rebelled and set up their independence.