The Administration of the Sultanate of Dehli c13.13

c13.13

The splendour of the Mughul Empire has dimmed the memory of the greatness of the sultanate of Dehlī; human imagination often likes to create a contrast for the sake of effect. The sultanate was by no means a less enthusiastic patron of art and letters; it deserves the title of a culture state just as much as the empire of the Great Mughul.³ The sultans, irrespective of their idiosyncracies, were keen supporters of learning and culture. Lack of space forbids an attempt to present here a cultural history of the sultanate even in brief outline, nor is this the proper place for it; but it is necessary to give some indication of the interest taken by the state in the enlightenment of the people.