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0 min readIntroduction
Ziauddin Barani, a prominent political thinker and historian of the Delhi Sultanate during the 14th century, penned "Fatwa-i-Jahandari" (Edicts on World Governance) as a significant treatise on statecraft and governance. While his other major work, "Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi," offers a historical chronicle of the Sultanate, "Fatwa-i-Jahandari" diverges markedly in its intent and methodology. This work is not a descriptive historical account detailing the actual events and administrative practices of the Delhi Sultanate. Instead, it is widely recognized as a prescriptive text, a collection of advice and ideals presented as a lament over the perceived decline of Islamic principles and righteous governance in his time.
Understanding "Fatwa-i-Jahandari"
Ziauddin Barani's "Fatwa-i-Jahandari" is a political treatise written in Persian, outlining the political ideals to be pursued by a Muslim ruler to gain religious merit and the gratitude of his subjects. It presents a vision of an ideal Islamic state, detailing the religious and legal duties, administrative policies, and ethical conduct expected of a righteous Sultan. The work is structured as a series of counsels, often presented as advice from Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni to his sons and other Muslim kings.
Barani's Vision of Ideal Kingship and Governance
Barani's philosophical core in "Fatwa-i-Jahandari" revolves around an idealized notion of kingship deeply rooted in orthodox Islamic principles. He believed that the Sultan, as a divine agent, should uphold Sharia (Islamic law) in both personal and political spheres, ensuring justice, promoting public welfare, and maintaining social hierarchy. His ideal ruler was expected to possess qualities like wisdom, justice, humility, and unwavering adherence to religious guidelines, balancing personal piety with public duty.
- Adherence to Shariat: Barani emphasized that legal and administrative decisions should be guided by Islamic Shari'ah, respecting religious practices and serving as a framework for governance.
- Preference for Aristocracy: He advocated for governance by the noble-born, believing that only individuals from aristocratic backgrounds should hold important administrative positions to ensure effective rule. He strongly opposed granting royal favors or education to the 'low-born'.
- Strong, Centralized Monarchy: While acknowledging that monarchy was not originally aligned with Islamic principles, Barani deemed it a practical necessity for stability. He advocated for a strong, centralized monarchy with efficient administration and military strength.
- Justice and Welfare: The ideal Sultan was to ensure justice, promote public welfare, address poverty, and maintain social order.
"Fatwa-i-Jahandari" as a Lament
The characterization of "Fatwa-i-Jahandari" as a lament stems from Barani's deep disillusionment with the contemporary rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly Muhammad bin Tughlaq and, to some extent, Firuz Shah Tughlaq. Written in his later years, after he had fallen out of favor at court and was living in penury, the work reflects his nostalgia for a perceived "golden age" of strict Islamic orthodoxy and governance.
Key reasons why it is considered a lament rather than a proper account:
- Prescriptive, Not Descriptive: Unlike a historical account that describes 'what was,' "Fatwa-i-Jahandari" dictates 'what ought to be.' It provides moral and political guidelines, sharply contrasting them with the practices he observed.
- Criticism of Contemporary Rulers: Barani criticized rulers like Muhammad bin Tughlaq for their pragmatic governance, tolerance towards non-Muslims, and insufficient deference to the Ulama (religious scholars). He saw these as signs of moral decay and religious laxity. For instance, he lamented the appointment of 'low-born' individuals to high administrative posts, viewing it as a subversion of proper social and religious order.
- Idealized Past vs. Degenerate Present: The work is imbued with a sense of regret and sorrow over the perceived decline of Islamic ideals. Barani often invoked the exemplary rule of historical figures, like Mahmud of Ghazni, to highlight the shortcomings of the sultans of his time.
- Emphasis on Religious Orthodoxy: Barani's views were rooted in orthodox Sunni Islam. He felt that the Delhi Sultans were compromising religious principles for political expediency, thereby moving away from the true spirit of Islamic governance. He even suggested that a Muslim king should concentrate power on holy wars and completely uproot 'false creeds' if a Muslim king merely collects jizya and khiraj from Hindus.
- Personal Disillusionment: His personal experiences, including his dismissal from court, likely fueled his critical perspective and his yearning for an ideal, uncorrupted state. This personal suffering transformed his political philosophy into a fervent plea for reform.
Therefore, while "Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi" provides an interpretive history, "Fatwa-i-Jahandari" is a work of political ethics, a "mirror for princes," reflecting Barani's aspirations and anxieties about the state of the Delhi Sultanate rather than an objective historical record.
| Feature | "Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi" | "Fatwa-i-Jahandari" |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Historical chronicle/interpretation | Political treatise/advice literature |
| Purpose | To record and interpret the history of the Delhi Sultanate (from Balban to Firuz Shah's early reign) | To prescribe an ideal code of conduct and governance for Muslim rulers based on Islamic principles |
| Methodology | Describes past events, policies, and their consequences (though with a moralistic lens) | Dictates what ought to be, offering advice and expressing ideals, often critically reflecting on contemporary reality |
| Tone | Generally narrative, though infused with Barani's moral and religious philosophy | Didactic, hortatory, and often lamenting the departure from ideal Islamic practices |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ziauddin Barani's "Fatwa-i-Jahandari" stands not as a factual historical account of the Delhi Sultanate but rather as a profound lament. It embodies his deep-seated yearning for an ideal Islamic polity, governed strictly by Sharia and aristocratic principles, which he perceived as being eroded by the pragmatic and often heterodox policies of rulers like Muhammad bin Tughlaq. This prescriptive text, written in his twilight years of disillusionment, serves as a powerful testament to Barani's political philosophy and his conservative vision for the Sultanate, reflecting his sorrow over the deviation from what he considered righteous governance.
Answer Length
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