The Administration of the Sultanate of Dehli c8.100

c8.100

The jurists have carefully laid down the qualifications of an aspirant to monarchy. He should be capable of dealing with the problems of the state and in full possession of his physical and mental faculties. If he had lost his eyesight, hearing or power of speech, he could not ascend the throne.¹ Some writers also add that he should belong to the male sex and be of adult age.² These two qualifications were not always demanded at Dehli. It is true that Raḍiyah's election caused a controversy; she was not able to command the obedience of all the nobles, yet she was elected and ruled for four years with the co-operation of a large number of generals and statesmen. There were not many instances of young boys coming to the throne; the few who were raised were mere puppets in the hands of some successful intriguer, but generally the usual formalities of accession were observed.