The Sultanate of Delhi, 711–1526 A.D. c19.s9: Weakness of the Khalji system

The Sultanate of Delhi, 711–1526 A.D. c19.s9

Language: English

Weakness of the Khalji system

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The empire built up by Ala-ud-din rested on a weak foundation and, therefore, it did not survive its founder. The reasons for its ultimate failure are not too difficult to perceive. Some of the very elements which had contributed most to its up-building became in the long run the elements of weakness and instability—vital causes of its eventual downfall. The system depended upon the Sultan’s genius. Individual genius has its limitations. Ala-ud-din was a genius; but he was also human. As he grew older he became less able to put up with exertion and fatigue. He became fond of ease and could not supervise the work of his subordinates who mismanaged things. There were rebellions before he closed his eyes in death. Secondly, Khalji imperialism was based on military force and not on the willing consent of the people. Force always tends to become tyrannical and cares more for glory than for the welfare of the people. This was so with Ala-ud-din whose administration became more and more unpopular as time passed on. The Turkish nobles, who were deprived of their power and prestige, were estranged. The Hindu chiefs groaned under the restrains and humiliations imposed upon them. The Mongols, called the New Muslims, continued plotting and intriguing against him. Those of the nobles who still wielded some power and commanded prestige were alienated, as low-born upstarts were raised to positions of honour and equality with them. The rigours of the espionage terrified the middle and upper class people. The traders and merchants resented the strict control of the market. Thus, all classes of people were sick of the despotic administration and waited for an opportunity to throw it off. Ala-ud-din did not ensure the continuity of the system by giving the right kind of training to his sons and successors. Khizr Khan and his brothers grew up into weaklings, addicted to sensual pleasures and unfit to hold intact the big empire created by their father. Fortunately for the people, Ala-ud-din's favourite, Malik Kafur, who enjoyed ascendancy at the court, fomented quarrel in the royal household and brought about a rift in the ruling family. Royal authority was weakened, and this gave an opportunity to ambitious people to revolt. There were rebellions in the Dakhin, in Rajasthan and in some other parts of the country. Although Ala-ud-din's successor succeeded in putting down the rebellions, he had to make concession to the people by withdrawing most of the obnoxious regulations of his father's time. When he was murdered, four years later, the system fell with a mighty crash.

The Sultanate of Delhi, 711–1526 A.D. c19.s9: Weakness of the Khalji system

Weakness of the Khalji system

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