Sikandar Lodi's theory of kingship

In order to increase the power of the Sultan and to bring the nobles under control, Sikandar adopted a strict policy. For this he changed the form of kingship itself. His aim was to establish the autocratic power of the Sultan.

1.    Redefining kingship

When Bahlol's son Sikandar became the ruler, he not only had to redefine kingship, but also had to demonstrate his ability and superiority by demonstrating power against a large number of Afghan chieftains and his brothers. For example, he defeated Alam Khan and Azam Humayun, then along with the display of fraternity, as well as forgiving the Sultan's superiority and generosity, returned their territories to them. Sent a proposal to accept submission to another of his brother, Barbak. The message was clear, he is the Sultan of Delhi, Barbak could have lived under him only as the ruler of Jaunpur. But this was not acceptable to the Afghan tendencies of Barbak, so he was defeated in battles and forced to surrender. But, showing a sense of fraternity, the Sultan along with pardon to this brother also restored him there as the governor of Jaunpur.

2.    Preferring kingship over fraternity

Sikandar had a clear belief that if there is a question of choice between kingship and fraternity, then clearly the choice of kingship should be made. Bahlol had provided a veil of fraternity to the monarchy, but Sikandar used it only as a tool to satisfy the Afghan sentiments of fraternity to an extent, so that the stability of the state would not be adversely affected. Rest he never allowed fraternity to limit the divine nature of kingship. During the reign of his father and the previous ruler, the state had become strong, stable and disciplined by thirty-eight years of peace. Therefore, it was natural for him to proceed further.

3.    The glory and prestige of the Sultan's office

Ultimately, he forced the Afghan nobles to accept the superior position of the Sultan in order to raise the level of glory and prestige of the Sultan's office. However, he continued to express his attachment to Afghan democratic traditions. Sikandar Lodi began to sit on the throne, not following his father. So he made it clear that he was the sultan and not the chieftain or tribal leader elected on the basis of merit among the members of the same tribe. Therefore, he had a monopoly on the throne, no one had the right to participate in it.

4.    Rules for Government orders

The sultans of Delhi, made a general rule for his amirs, provinces and other state officials as to how to accept the state decrees and orders with welcome. It was obligatory for every Amir to whom the Farman was sent, six miles ahead of his appointed place of posting, with full faith and respect to accept the Farman on his forehead .

5.    Discipline for the Amirs

The amirs were given the strict impression of administration that they were the servants of the sultan and not the amirs with equal rights, whose position and authority, appointment, transfer and removal depended entirely on the will of the sultan. The Jagirdars and Heads of Departments had to submit the statement of accounts in regular 'Diwane Vizarat'. No leniency was shown in cases of corruption, mismanagement, misbehavior and bribery etc. Rigorous discipline had become the motto of the government.

6.    Intelligence system

With a definite intention to control the Umra or the wealthy class, he established an intelligence system like Balban and emphasized on collecting all the information of the state. On the basis of his information, he wanted to prove like Balban by surprising the amirs that the Sultan had infinite supernatural powers due to being the shadow and representative of Allah. Therefore, he also wanted to restore the divine form of kingship by following Balban's intelligence.

7.    Fair justice

Like Balban, he considered it the sacred duty of the Sultan to provide impartial justice. He understood the importance of military force just like Balban. He also formed the Central Army and was conscious of their welfare. He was successful in giving justice and order, security and protection to the people. He was keen to prove the same by being revered as guardian Sultan. That Just as God provides protection to the living beings, in the same way the king also has to discharge these duties as his representative .

Thus, as far as possible, he respected the sentiments of the Afghan nobles but kept them under such control as was necessary for the security of the empire. With the change in his kingship principle, he exercised a strict policy towards the nobles, and succeeded in bringing them into discipline, but as soon as the power weakened, the displeasure of the amirs began to be visible at the time of his successor, who was helpful to Babur .