Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c5.s2.t1.77

c5.s2.t1.77

1. *The Titles.*—The royal title which signified the full and undisputed powers of the monarch was that of *Sultan*. The Sayyids who established themselves after the invasion of Timur, assumed the titles of *Rayat-i-A‘la* and *Masnad-i-‘Ali*.¹ Sher Shah assumed the title of *Hazrat-i-A‘la* as soon as the various clans of Afghans in India submitted to his leadership; but when he felt himself powerful enough, he adopted the title of ‘Sultan’ to signify his assumption of full sovereign powers.² Apart from his royal title, the monarch adopted some other titles which indicated his religious leadership of the Muslim community, to which reference has been made earlier. When people conversed with him they used to address him as *Khudavand-i-‘Alam* (Master of the World), and prefaced their remarks with a short prayer for his long life or for the security of his kingdom.³