Kingship Theory of Alauddin Khalji

Alauddin Khalji ascended the throne after the assassination of his uncle, father-in-law, patron Sultan, then Alauddin had obtained the throne by military power. He was not elected by the nobles to the throne and he was not the heir to the throne. The Ulema class also had no role in his accession. He had captured the throne through successful rebellion and money by killing the Sultan. Therefore, the basis of his power was the army. By this military power, he destroyed the rivals and secured his kingdom. Therefore, from the very beginning his power was autocratic, as its base was the army. That is why it is called autocratic militarism.

1.     The prestige of the sultan : Restoration of the traditions of Balban

After the death of Balban, the prestige of the Sultanate was destroyed during the reign of his inept successors and the various nobles became powerful again. Nazimuddin, Surkha and Kachchan were such nobles who wanted to take over the kingdom. Alauddin restored the prestige of the Sultanate. He re-established the traditions of Balban in such a way that the chieftains could be kept under terror and control.

2.     Divine Kingship : 'Niyabat-i-Khudai' and 'Jill-i-Allah'

Alauddin followed Balban's ideas about the concept of kingship. Like Balban, he believed in the divine principle of kingship. He believed that the king was different from ordinary human beings, higher and possessed of divine power. Therefore, the will of the king was the law and all the subjects were bound to obey it. He also considered the kingship as 'Niyabat-i-Khudai' and the Sultan as 'Jill-i-Allah' .

3.     Control on the Umrah : the destruction of the Jalali umrah

In order to make the power of the Sultan absolute, it was necessary to remove the two barriers that acted as a check on the power of the Sultan. These were the two barriers—the Umrah and the Ulema class. Alauddin completely destroyed the Jalali chieftains. To control the chieftains whom he appointed, he made strict rules and gave them harsh punishments. Barani writes that the Amir class was so afraid that they spoke only by gestures.

 

4.     Neglect of Ulema class : I don't know

The second obstacle to the autocracy of the Sultan was the Ulema class, which had influence over the Delhi Sultans. Alauddin also weakened the Ulema class so much that they could not influence his policies. He imposed tax on the lands of forgiveness and on this class all the taxes which were levied on the common people. This made this class economically weak. The Sultan explained his policy to Qazi Mugisuddin and said , "I do not know what is right and what is wrong in the eyes of the shariya law, I have the right to do what I think is appropriate for the good of the state or the occasion ." I order I do not know what will happen to me at the last judgment." Thus Alauddin was the first sultan who ended the control of religion over the state.

5.     Neglect of dynasty : Honor of merit

Dynasty had no place in the Kingship theory of Alauddin Khilji. He rejected Balban's notion of high lineage. Balban was a slave, it became necessary for him to separate himself from other slaves. Therefore, he associated his relationship with the imaginary dynasties but Alauddin did not do so. His kingship was based on the principle of power.

6.     Don't give importance to Khalifa : I don't need

Alauddin did not resort to the name of the Caliph to consolidate his power. Just as he rejected the authority of the Ulema class, he also rejected the authority of the Caliph. He never requested the Caliph to grant him the authorization letter. But he declared himself the Naib of the Caliph.

7.     Militarism : mobilization of resources

The basis of Alauddin's power was the army. It was through the army that he had captured the state power. Due to the power of the army, he was able to ignore the Caliph, Shariat, Ulema and Amir. He established the supremacy of the state only because of the power of the army. He created a standing army and did not order the amirs to have an army. That is why his kingdom has been called a military system. He had mobilized his resources for a strong military system, some administrative reforms, land revenue and market control system we can also see in this way.

8.     Enlightened Autocracy: Opinion of Majlis-i-Khas

During the siege of Ranthambore, he held frequent meetings of the 'Majlis-i-Khas' (secret council or advisory committee) so that the reasons for the frequent revolts could be determined. After that, the above necessary action can also be taken accordingly. The above case shows that despite being an autocratic ruler, he understands the need of his advisory committee and takes legal action. He actually established the intelligence system, the interaction of the rich and the banning of matrimonial alliances; To ban liquor gatherings and take steps like oppression tax system and confiscation etc. Those are the measures suggested by the committee to destroy the rebellions completely.

9.     Kingship's Thirst for Immortality : The Prophet and Alexander

According to Barani, Alauddin announced that the Prophet of Arabia had four friends with the help of whom he propagated his religion, as a result of which his name would be remembered till the end of the World. Alauddin also had 'four Khans' i.e., Ulugh, Nusrat, Zafar and Alap who were equal to the glory of the rulers. With their help, he would establish a new religion and attain eternal fame. At the same time, Alauddin assumed the title of ' Second Sikandar ' and included it in ' Khutba ' and inscribed it on his coins as well. But Barani credits his uncle Alaulmulk for clearing Alauddin's erroneous views. The Sultan promised him that he would never bring the matter of establishing a new religion on his face. As far as the conquests are concerned, the Kotwal drew the attention of Alauddin to the fact that his area of work was ' hindustan '.

Thus Alauddin adopted the policy of blood and iron of Balban on the one hand and on the other side rejected the policy of racism, in the same way he took the policy of opposition to racism from Jalaluddin Khalji but rejected the policy of benevolence. Alauddin declared that kingship does not know blood relations. This was in turn a defiance of the policy of racism. Thus he opened the door of the umrah class to more non-Turkish people. On the other hand he also encouraged secularization of politics. He also tried to separate religion from politics .