The Administration of the Sultanate of Dehli c15.9

c15.9

The general attitude of the state is depicted in Baranī's dictum that a sultan who does not gain the support of all his subjects is a usurper.³ In discussing the duties of a king in times of distress he lays down that the subjects should be helped in every respect; the *kharāj* and *jiziyah* should be reduced or even remitted.⁴ It is obvious that as the *jiziyah* was paid only by Hindus, they were not to be excluded from the measures of relief. As far as hospitals and *sarā'is* are concerned, there is not only no record of the exclusion of Hindus, but special arrangements for their convenience are mentioned.⁵ The attitude of Muslim rulers is crystallized in Sher Shāh's phrase: "The Muslims and non-Muslims alike are entitled to my justice."⁶ The state was seldom forgetful of the needs of the *dhimmis*.⁷