Theory and Practice of Muslim State in India c9.s5.3

c9.s5.3

Mahmud Ghaznavi's campaigns in India had Caliphal blessings. In return, Mahmud was always careful to inscribe the Caliph's name on his coins, and send to Baghdad presents from the plunder of his campaigns.¹⁵⁴ These consisted of large amounts of all kinds of wealth including indigo, the valuable dyestuff which was collected as tribute from India.¹⁵⁵ The accession of Mahmud's successor Masud was not peaceful and, therefore, soon after coming to the throne he applied to the Khalifa for recognition of his title to succession. "He sent an envoy to Qadir Billah, and promising to send him every year a sum of 2,00,000 *dinars*, 10,000 pieces of cloth, besides other presents, requested him to recognise his claim. The Khalifa was pleased to send him a formal investiture..."¹⁵⁶ His successor continued with the tradition. By such remittances the sultans obtained recognition and moral support of the Caliph while the latter gained in financial resources and remained supreme in the Islamic world.