Who introduced the practice of ‘sijda’ (kneeling and bowing one’s head) and ‘pabos’ (kissing one’s feet) in the royal court?
Balban introduced the courtly practices of “sijda” (kneeling and bowing) and “pabos” (kissing the Sultan’s feet) to elevate the monarchy’s prestige. These rituals emphasized the Sultan’s divine authority and demanded complete obedience from nobles. Balban used them to strengthen absolutism and prevent nobles from challenging his power. ANSWER: (D) Balban
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Balban believed that maintaining the Sultan’s supreme authority required strict royal etiquette and ceremonial grandeur. To reinforce this, he introduced “sijda” and “pabos,” rituals demonstrating deep submission to the monarch. These practices made the Sultan appear semi-divine and superior to the nobility. By enforcing these protocols, Balban aimed to eliminate informal behavior in court and prevent nobles from treating the Sultan as an equal. The rituals also symbolized centralized authority and contributed to the disciplined, awe-inspiring environment Balban wanted in his administration. They played a significant role in strengthening monarchical absolutism during his reign.