Medieval History PYQ 8 of 123 · Delhi Sultanate — Foundation · Delhi Sultanate : Slave Dynasty

Who was the first Muslim ruler to formulate the 'Theory of Kingship' similar to the 'Theory of divine right of the kings'?

  1. AAibak
  2. BIltutmish
  3. CBalban
  4. DAlauddin
  5. ENone of the above/ More than one of the above

63rd B.P.S.C. (Pre.) 2017

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (c) Balban

Explanation

Balban was the first Muslim ruler who propounded the theory of kingship on the lines of the theory of divine right of kings. According to this, the Sultan is the representative of God on earth (niyabat-e-khudai), and his position comes after the Prophet. The king is zill-e-Allah or zill-e-ilahi, i.e., the reflection of God. He said to his son Bughra Khan—“The office of the Sultan is the living symbol of absolutism.”

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