Islamic Symbols of Authority: The Quran and Hadis in Delhi Sultanate’s Political Legitimacy (13th–14th Century)

This paper analyses two major sources of Islamic law utilised as symbols of authority by the Sultans of Delhi during the 13th and 14th centuries in the Indian sub-continent. It focuses on how the Sultans of Delhi sought to reinforce their power and sovereignty through Quranic verses and ahadis (pl. of hadis). Exploring how these two symbols were used, this study examines how these symbols were propagated through multiple mediums to legitimise kingship and authority. This study perceives religious symbols important for sustaining the Delhi Sultan’s rule, which was projected as divinely sanctioned. The research investigates the role of these symbols in establishing their link with the Islamic past, history, culture and tradition. Discussing the relationship between symbols and authority, this paper explores how the Delhi Sultans used religious symbols to not only establish their political supremacy and authority but also consolidate the allegiance of the Muslim community.