Alauddin Khilji – Theory of Kingship

Alauddin theory of kingship as discuused by Harsh

Delhi Sultanate went through the number of political phases. The Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty established by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in c. 1206 AD, came to an end in in C. 1290 AD. After that power was captured by Khiljis. It was Jalal-ud-din Khilji who established the new dynasty, Khilji Dynasty in c. 1290 AD. They were considered of low origin people during the Slave dynasty because they were Afghans.

Other than Jalal-ud-din Khilji, Alauddin Khilji was most successful Sultan, not only of this dynasty but of entire Delhi Sultanate. He succeeded the throne of Delhi sultanate in c. 1296 AD after killing his uncle Jalal-ud-din Khilji. Like Balban, he also propounded the theory of kingship.

Also Read : The Khilji Revolution

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban – Theory of Kingship

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban – Accession to Delhi’s Throne and Challenges

Alauddin’s Theory of Kingship

He was one of the greatest and strongest rulers in the history of Delhi. During his rule of two decades, he transformed the politico-administration, military and economic system. He was a typical ruler and was unique in many aspects. His ideas and principles of political system have been described by Amir Khusrau in his book Khazain-ul-Futuh. These ideas comprised the ideas of theory of kingship of Alauddin. 

Alauddin believed in principle of strength, so built a strong army and conquered most of India. He also emphasized on the separation of religion from state politics. Monarchial despotism was an element of his kingship. He was a typical despotic and ruled with an iron hand. He did not rely on the extra territorial principles like divine origin of monarchy and divine rights of king.

Alauddin did not allow Ulemas to interfere in political matters. He clearly proclaimed that orders are guided by requirements of the state. He didn’t worry about the tenants of Shariat. Each and every section, commoners and elites were subjugated effectively by him. The Ulemas were instructed to remain away from politics of state. Privileges enjoyed by nobles were also curtailed.

Privileges of army were also reduced as changed the rates of Khums (state shares in war booty) from 1/5^th to 4/5^th. He extended the Khalisa land (the central part of state territory from where the revenue was directly collected for central authority. He also abolished the small Iqtas of Ganga valley to extend Khalisa land. He maintained a central standing army directly commanded under Sultan. This army remained in capital during the peace time.

The role of Iqtadars was reduced significantly to maintaining the troops. The intermediaries like village headman (Khut and Muqaddam) were subjugated under the authority of Sultan. Their privileges were taken away and they were ordered to pay land revenue at normal rate. The common peoples were also subjugated by him as the rate of land revenue was increased from 33% to 50% of their produce.

The market was controlled by him completely. Imperialism was another prominent dimension of the Alauddin’s theory of Kingship because he believed that territorial expansion is the duty of Sultan. He carried out number of military campaigns for territorial expansion which were well planned and executed systematically. He believed that different states are necessarily hostile to each other and thus, a strong Sultan need to subjugated them. Policy of conquest and annexation was followed by him in north India.

He conquered and annexed Gujarat (c. 1299), Ranthambore (c. 1301), Mewat (c. 1303), Malwa (c. 1305) and Jalore (c. 1308). In South India, he followed the policy of conquest and subjugation. His Deccan policy was pragmatic. He allows defeated rulers to rule in his name. they were just ordered to send part of revenue to Delhi every year. The lust of gold and hunger of glory guided the Deccan policy of Alauddin.

Warangal in c. 1308, Dwarsamudra in c. 1309, Madurai in c. 1310 and Devagiri in c. 1313 were subjugated by him. He was great imperialist because his ambitions were not completed with the conquest of India as he wanted to go on world conquest. This plan was discussed by him with his close friend Ala-ul-Mulk. The title of Sikandar-i- Shane (second Alexander) founded on his coins indicating the same.

The imperialistic policy of Alauddin was very successful because he could amass a huge wealth from his south Indian campaigns. The success of military campaigns enhanced his power and prestige. As a result of this he could rule for two decades successfully.

Thus, the Theory of Kingship of Alauddin was a success in short and long term as well because after fall of Khiljis Tughlaqs adopted the same kingship theory.