History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c6.228

c6.228

Nothing fosters luxury and self-indulgence more than easy success and the Muhammadans, when they seized the vast wealth and territories of Hindustan, rapidly degenerated in character. The rules of morality became lax and the nobles and amirs gave themselves up freely to dissipation and debauch. Even ‘Ala-al-Din had succumbed, in spite of his over-mastering will, to the temptations which wealth and power placed in his way. The shameless orgies of Qutb-al-Din Mubarak Shah need not be described here. But the present Sultan was an exceptional man; he had risen from poverty to power and had received his training in the school of adversity. He had fully utilised the opportunities that come to able men, humbly placed in life, to acquire the qualities of character and insight into human affairs, which are the unfailing mark of greatness. He knew well the dangers of a life of ease and therefore wisely eschewed all gaity and frivolous enjoyment.