‘Like the Roman Emperor Augustus, he was careful not to appear as powerful as others and not to appear above the level of others’. Whose reference is this?
This quote describes his unique Afghan theory of kingship, where he was careful not to appear more powerful than the other Afghan nobles. He was the founder of the Lodi dynasty and deliberately adopted the political style of “First Among Equals” to the powerful Afghan nobles. Like Augustus, he avoided flaunting absolute power and prestige, instead treating the nobles as peers to secure their loyalty and prevent rebellions, which was essential for stabilizing his rule. ANSWER: (B) Bahlol Lodi
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The reference is to Bahlol Lodi (1451-1489 CE), the founder of the Lodi dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate. This quote describes his unique Afghan theory of kingship, where he was careful not to appear more powerful than the other Afghan nobles. This approach was strategic: by treating them as peers or “First Among Equals,” he secured their crucial loyalty. Historians compare this to the Roman Emperor Augustus, who consolidated autocratic power while maintaining the outward appearance of an ordinary citizen to appease the aristocracy. Bahlol Lodi similarly chose to sit on a carpet rather than the royal throne in their presence.