The Administration of the Sultanate of Dehli c10.2

c10.2

" THE bravest of men require arms, and the wisest of kings need ministers," says the Arab adage.¹ The elementary political principle that one man cannot govern a kingdom was also recognized by the Hindus. "Sovereignty," says Kautilya with the characteristic Hindu facility for simile, "is possible only with assistance; a single wheel will never function; hence the king shall employ ministers and listen to their opinion."² The value of deliberation and counsel was fully understood.³ Timūr is reported to have compared a government devoid of these virtues to "a foolish man, who erreth in all that he sayeth and doeth," whose "actions and words bring forth no fruit but shame and repentance."⁴ Two of the most famous Muslim writers on politics point out that the Prophet, in spite of his great wisdom and inspiration, was ordained by God to consult his disciples in his undertakings; hence they argue that rulers and monarchs with their limited vision and foresight cannot dispense with the advice of others.⁵ This argument is based on a verse of the Qur'ān which enjoins on Muslims deliberation and mutual consultation in conducting their affairs.⁶ Thus it becomes a religious duty for a monarch to seek counsel from others.