Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c5.s1.54

c5.s1.54

The exalted nature of the office of the Sultan, surrounded as it was by a halo of divinity, compelled the monarch to conform to a standard of benevolence and generosity far above other people. In this respect a long and hallowed tradition of magnanimity, chivalry, forgiveness, generosity, benevolence, and of other noble virtues was built around the person of the Sultan, which made the rule of a despot not only possible but also attractive. Both the Persian and the Indian tradition were rich in this direction.²