Theory of Kingship under the Sultanate and Mughals, Influence of the Bhakti-Sufi Tradition on Medieval State Polity
In this topic, we are going to see how the theory of kingship under the Sultanate and Mughal influenced medieval Indian society by shaping a combination of Islamic political thoughts and indigenous tradition. And here we will also see how the bhakti and Sufi traditions have influenced medieval society. Let’s start to understand all these concepts in brief.
THEORY OF KINGSHIP
SULTANATE
The Sultanate period was from 1206 to 1526. It was the emergence of Islamic rulers who adopted the Persianate administrative structure and principle to govern. During this period the theory of kingship was heavily influenced by the concept of Sultaniyat, in which the ruler had the supreme authority as a representative of Allah on earth. The sultan of this empire was not only the head of the state but he was the head spiritual of the state, who was responsible for upholding Islamic law and protecting the faith.
THEORY OF KINGSHIP
MUGHAL
The Mughal period was from 1526 to 1857 the theory of kingship further evolved elements of Timruid heritage, Indian tradition, and others. The Mughal emperors often claim that they were of the descent of Timur and Genghis Khan, all these enhance their legitimacy in ruling. Their concept of kingship was referred to as Padshahiyat which also emphasized the divine right of the ruler. This concept was tempered by the concept of Zill-i-llahi means a show of gods, from this, they suggest that the ruler or emperor has divine authority which is subordinate to god.
INFLUENCE OF BHAKTI- SUFI TRADITION
The Bhakti movement began from the 7th to 8th centuries which led emphasis to the devotion to personal deities and spiritual salvation through devotion and love rather than practices of ritualistic. In the bhakti tradition, some bhakti saints like Kabir, and guru Nanak challenged the caste system and also promoted social harmony and religious tolerance in the society. Where they were not directly teaching society as a politician but by teaching different bhakti saints it had an impact on the entire society.
Similarly, the Sufi tradition emerged in Islam, which emphasizes the mystical experience through which the person personally connects with the divine. Sufi saints played a significant role in promoting Islam in the Indian subcontinent, through peaceful methods and by accommodating customs and beliefs. There are some Sufi orders which are Chishtiya, Suhrawardiya, and Qadiriya they not only influence spiritual matter but also they shape political and social landscape.
CONCLUSION
At the end to this topic in mughal and sultanate theory of kingship we found a great expression of policies and governance under the rulers of sultanate, and mughal empire. Whereas, in bhakti and sufi tradition they played significant role in influencing medieval state polity by promoting harmony, and principle of tolerance.