Which ruler of Delhi Sultanate re-established Balban's Principle of Kingship?

Option 4 : Sikandar Lodi

The correct answer is Sikandar Lodi.

• Theories of Kingship
  • The Theories of Kingship in the Delhi Sultanate were derived from and inspired by the theories of kingship in the Islamic world.
  • In theory, the Muslim state was a theocracy which means the head of the state was also the religious head and derived his position and authority from God.
  • The political need and the ignorance of the Sultans about the Shariyat or the Islamic laws resulted in the division of the functions of the head of the state.
  • The religious side was looked after by the Ulama or the logicians and the administrative functions were maintained, organised and supervised by the Sultan.

• Alauddin Khilji
  • Alauddin Khilji reversed the Jalaluddin Khilji’s policy of tolerance towards the nobles.
  • He awarded drastic punishment to all those who dared to oppose him.
  • He decided to revive Balban’s policy of ruthless governance.
  • He decided to curb the power of the nobles and the interference of the Ulama in the matters of the state.
• Mohammad bin Tughlaq
  • Mohammad bin Tughlaq was a rationalist in religious and philosophical matters.
  • He offended the orthodox Muslim Ulama by curbing their political influence and tried to resolve secular problems by secular methods.
  • He held religious discussions with Hindu Yogis and Jain Saints.
  • He believed in geopolitical unity of India and wanted to break all political and cultural barriers.
• Sikandar Lodhi
  • Sikandar Lodhi who succeeded Bahlol Lodhi as the Sultan of Delhi believed in superior position of the Sultan in relation to the nobles.
  • He compelled nobles and amir to show formal respect to the Sultan in darbar and outside and treated them harshly.
  • The office of the Sultan was the most important in the Sultanate and he was the ultimate authority for the military, legal and political matters.
  • The dispensation of justice was another important function performed by the Sultan he acted as a court of appeal.
  • Balban dispensed justice with extreme impartiality, not sparing even the high officers of the state.