History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c7.30.4

c7.30.4

To the disciples and followers of Shaikh Nizam-al-Din Aulia the Sultan granted lands and allowances, and endowed the Shaikh’s tomb with twelve *parganahs* for the purpose of providing food for the poor and offering incense at the shrine.¹⁶ The Sultan was devoted to the Shaikh, and this was probably done to signify his gratitude for the help he had given in securing the throne. Maulana Nāsir-al-Din and Malik Ghazi, the poet, were granted a pension of one lakh a year which shows that royal patronage was extended to men of all classes. Barani gives a long list of officers upon whom titles were conferred, and who were entrusted with important duties.17 The fame of the Sultan's liberality spread far and wide and brought to Dihli some of the most learned men from the different parts of Asia who were fitly honoured by their royal benefactor. Before the outflow of this somewhat prodigal generosity, no opposition could be offered, and no wonder if men warmly welcomed their new ruler. Men's memories are short; and in the minds of many the young ruler must have been excused the guilt of parricide.