Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c21.s5.46

v2.c21.s5.46

The Emperor being well-read in history, wanted to revive the good old practice of sending his sons out to the provinces for the purpose of subduing and administering them, and thus restoring the empire to strength and prosperity. But mere wishing was not enough for achieving this end. These princes had so long lived amidst the vice sloth ignorance and isolation of their palace-prisons, and lacked the education necessary for commanding men and administering countries. Nor was any capable and devoted old noble any longer available to act as their guardian and tutor (ataliq) during their apprenticeship as provincial governors. Finally, there was neither any reliable force nor adequate treasure for supporting them in the arduous task of recovering lost dominions from long-established usurpers or guarding them against attack. While the Emperor and his household were starving, it was impossible to fit out any expeditionary force for his sons. Alamgir II's plan could not be given a trial even, because of the opposition of his selfish wazir, who feared that his own dictatorship would be gone if any of his master's sons developed capacity and secured the control of an army. Thus, every path of reform and revival was closed to the empire of Delhi.