The title of Sultan was started by Turkish Rulers. Mehmud Gaznavi was the first to retain this title. The whole power of the state was vested in Sultan. He was the master of politics and religion and chief justice.
It was expected from Sultans that they should obey the advice of Ulema class. Sultans were influenced by the power of Amirs. Amirs had two classes
(a) Turkish
(b) Non-Turkish
Chehalgani : In the period of Iltutmish group of forty Amirs was called Chehalgani. The influence of Amirs depended on their ability and non-ability of administration. Central Administrative System (Mujlis-e-khalwat):
It was like council of ministers. It’s four pillars were –
(a) Wazir
(b) Arije Mumalik
(c) Dewane Insha
(d) Dewane Risalat
Departments : Office of the wazir was called Dewan-e-wizrat. It can be called Finance department. Mustaufi (Chief Auditor, Khazine (Treasuror) Majamadar (Accounts and data collector) were the workers of this department.
Jallaluddin Khilji constituted Dewane wakoof and Allaluddin established Diwane Mustakhraj departments. These were under finance department. To improve agriculture Muhammad Tughlak established Diwane-Amir-Kohi.
The responsibility of postage was of Dewane Insha. Diwane Riyasat act as foreign minister. Sadra was the head of religion department. It has separate treasury in which wealth was collected received as Jakat.Kazi-ul-kujat (Law), Barid-e-Mumalik information departments.
There were six workers for court and palace –
1. Wakir-e-dar
2. Barbak
3. Amir-e-Hajib
4. Amir-e-Shikar
5. Amir Majlis
6. Sir-e-Jahandar
The Sultanate period can be called as military, religious, monarchism. The goods plundered during war were called ‘Khams’. Regional administration was a replica of central administration. Head of the province was called Wali or Nazim. He was appointed by the Sultan. Shik was the Revenue officer of the Province.
