39Like the earlier Sultans, the Khalji and Tughluqmonarchs appointed military commanders asgovernors of territories of varying sizes. These landswere called iqta and their holder was called iqtadarormuqti. The duty of the muqtiswas to lead militarycampaigns and maintain law and order in their iqtas.In exchange for their military services, the muqtiscollected the revenues of their assignments as salary.They also paid their soldiers from these revenues.Control over muqtiswas most effective if their officewas not inheritable and if they were assigned iqtasfora short period of time before being shifted. These harshconditions of service were rigorously imposed duringthe reigns of Alauddin Khalji and MuhammadTughluq. Accountants were appointed by the state tocheck the amount of revenue collected by the muqtis.Care was taken that the muqticollected only the taxesprescribed by the state and that he kept the requirednumber of soldiers

Barani's Criticism of the Sultan



Barani, a renowned historian and political thinker of his time, criticized the Sultan for several reasons. His criticism was rooted in his observations of the Sultan's rule and the consequences it had on the welfare of the people and the stability of the kingdom. Barani's criticisms can be summarized as follows:

1. Lack of Justice and Tyranny

Barani criticized the Sultan for his failure to ensure justice and for his tyrannical behavior. He believed that the Sultan was more interested in consolidating his power and wealth rather than promoting justice and upholding the rights of his subjects. Barani observed that the Sultan often favored his courtiers and elites, while neglecting the common people who suffered from oppression and exploitation.

2. Mismanagement of Resources

Another reason for Barani's criticism was the Sultan's mismanagement of resources. Barani argued that the Sultan's extravagant lifestyle and his patronage of the nobility drained the kingdom's treasury and led to financial instability. This mismanagement resulted in increased taxes on the common people, exacerbating their hardships and widening the gap between the rich and the poor.

3. Neglect of the Military

Barani also criticized the Sultan for neglecting the military. He believed that a strong and well-equipped army was crucial for the defense and stability of the kingdom. However, the Sultan focused more on luxurious living and neglected the military's needs, weakening the kingdom's defense capabilities and leaving it vulnerable to external threats.

4. Lack of Interest in Public Welfare

Barani observed that the Sultan showed little interest in the welfare of his subjects. He criticized the Sultan for his failure to address the social and economic issues faced by the common people, such as poverty, famine, and unemployment. Barani argued that a ruler should prioritize the well-being of his subjects and take measures to alleviate their suffering, rather than indulging in personal luxuries.

5. Disregard for Good Governance

Lastly, Barani criticized the Sultan for his disregard for good governance. He believed that a ruler should be guided by ethical principles and should govern with fairness and transparency. However, Barani observed that the Sultan often made decisions based on personal interests and whims, disregarding the principles of good governance and undermining the stability and prosperity of the kingdom.

In conclusion, Barani's criticisms of the Sultan were based on his observations of the Sultan's lack of justice, mismanagement of resources, neglect of the military, disregard for public welfare, and disregard for good governance. He believed that these shortcomings in the Sultan's rule had detrimental effects on the well-being of the people and the stability of the kingdom.

Lqeikw