BALBAN'S Theory of Kingship

BALBAN'S THEORY OF KINGSHIP
The theory of kingship propounded by Balban led to the adoption of the policy of blood and
iron. Balban was convinced that the only way to face the internal and external dangers was
to increase the power and prestige of the Sultan (King).
Sword’ was the chief weapon of Balban to achieve his objectives. He used this weapon
with a great vengeance against his rivals, rebels, robbers, thieves and the invaders. By
following this policy, he wanted to create terror in the minds of the people that whosoever
dared to challenge the authority of the Sultan, he would not be spared.
On account of this policy he was able to remain at the helm of affairs for about 40 years i.e.
20 years as the Naib/Prime Minister of Nasir-ud-din Mohmud and then after as the Sultan of
Delhi. He executed his policy of blood and iron very successfully and raised the prestige and
power of the Sultan in the eyes of the nobles and his subjects.
Main principles of Balban’s theory of Kingship:
1. Divine right of Kings:
Balban said that the king was the representative of God on the earth and Kingship was a
divine institution. He declared this to make the nobles believe that he got the crown or the
Kingship not through their mercy but by the mercy of God.
2. Royal descent:
Balban realized that people at that time believed that it was only the prerogative of the
ancient royal families to rule and exercise power, he therefore declared that he was the
descendant of the legendary Turkish warrior Afrasiyab and that circumstances only had
made him a slave.
3. King as a despot:
He said to his son Bughra Khan that “Kingship is the embodiment of despotism”. He believed
that it is the “King’s superhuman awe and status which can ensure people’s obedience.
4. Word of difference between descendants of noble lineage and commoners:
Historian Zia-ud-Din Barni has gone to the extent of remarking that whenever Balban saw a
man of low birth, his eyes started burning with rage and anger and his hands reached his
sword to murder him. This view seems to be on the extreme side. However this much is
believable that because of this outlook of Balban, he dismissed all officials not born of noble
families, from all important posts.
5. Recognition of tripartite relationship:
Balban emphasized the relationship between God and the Sultan, Sultan and the people and
the God and the people. He considered himself the representative of God on the earth to
look after the welfare of the people—people created by God. Accordingly he emphasized
that treasury should be used for the benefit of his subjects. Likewise the king should be
impartial in dispensing justice.
Practical measures to translate the theory of Kingship into operation:
1. Decorum and grandeur of the court:
Balban enforced strict discipline in the court. No one was allowed to indulge in humour or
loose talk. He maintained considerable distance from the courtiers. He prescribed the court
dress.
2. Adoption of several ceremonies:
Balban introduced the practice of ‘Sijada’ in which the people were required to kneel and
touch the ground with their forehead in salutation to the king.
3. Appointment of guards:
Balban appointed fearsome and tall guards who were to stand round the king’s person with
naked swords in their hands. Whenever he used to go outside the palace, his bodyguards
marched with him with naked swords and shouting ‘Bismillah-Bismillah.’
4. Following Persian traditions:
Balban was convinced that the glory of Kingship was possible only by following the Persian
traditions and he very carefully followed these traditions in his personal and public life. He
named his grandsons on the pattern of Persian kings. He introduced several Persian
etiquettes in his court.
5. Always reserved:
Balban never expressed unusual joy or sorrow in public. It is said that even when the news
of the death of his eldest son, Mohammad was conveyed to him, he remained unmoved and
carried on the administrative work though in his private apartment, he wept bitterly.
6. Strong army:
These is no doubt that a strong army is needed for the sustenance of a powerful monarch.
Balban, therefore, strengthened his army.
7. Policy of blood and iron:
A strong and absolute monarch is expected to follow a strict policy in dealing with his
enemies. Balban accordingly adopted this policy.
8. Protection from foreign invaders:

The strength of a despotic ruler is also measured by his ability to protect his subjects from
external danger. Balban in this regard took effective steps.

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BALBAN'S THEORY OF KINGSHIP

Main principles of Balban’s theory of Kingship:

1. Divine right of Kings:

4. Word of difference between descendants of noble lineage and commoners:

5. Recognition of tripartite relationship:

Practical measures to translate the theory of Kingship into operation:

1. Decorum and grandeur of the court:

2. Adoption of several ceremonies:

4. Following Persian traditions:

7. Policy of blood and iron:

8. Protection from foreign invaders:

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