“When he attained Kingship, he was fully independent of rules and orders of Shariat.” For which Sultan Barani made this statement?

Correct answer: (c) Alauddin Khilji

Explanation

Ziauddin Barani made the above statement for Alauddin Khalji. Alauddin was the first Sultan of Delhi who established state control over religion. Explaining his policy in this context, he himself said that, “I do not know what is right and what is wrong in the eyes of the law. I give orders for whatever I consider suitable for the welfare of the state or for a particular occasion. What will happen to me on the Day of Judgment, I do not know.” Alauddin revived Balban’s idea regarding kingship. He believed in the sovereign authority of the king, who is merely the representative of God on earth. He did not consider it necessary to seek the Caliph’s permission to increase his power; therefore, he made no request to the Caliph for recognition of his position. He described himself as ‘Yamin-ul-Khilafat Nasir Amir-ul-Muminin’. Thus, Alauddin was the first Sultan of Delhi who did not allow religion to interfere in politics. Alauddin remained free from the influence of the ulama.