History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c6.212

c6.212

Ghiyas-al-Din Tughluq maintained the same machinery of government which had hitherto been in use and from the list of offices given by Barani we gather that most of these existed under ‘Ala-al-Din. No structural changes were made in the constitution of government; no new organisations were undertaken as they were under his illustrious son Muhammad Tughluq.⁹⁷ His administration was based upon the principles of justice and moderation, and in the enforcement of his regulations he was guided by his desire to advance the public weal. Himself a devout and God-fearing Muslim, he acted in dealing with his subjects with due regard for human failings and abstained from every kind of excess. He put down disorder with a high hand, but he was never wantonly unjust and cruel. He enacted a code of laws in conformity with the dictates of the Quran which constituted the basis of his civil administration. A living example of the survival of the fittest, he attached to himself able men, whose chief qualification for office consisted in merit and not in birth or wealth. To prevent corruption and embezzlement he paid his officers well and promoted to high rank only those who gave proof of their loyalty and devotion. In the distribution of rewards the Sultan was guided by the considerations of rank, merit and length of service and avoided all invidious distinctions. He was not a whimsical despot but a sagacious and thoughtful ruler who always consulted his councillors in important matters of state.