Corruption within the elite circles of Pakistan has indeed been a longstanding issue, and its impact on the nation’s development and governance cannot be ignored.
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Well, when you choose corrupt heroes, what will be the result?
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Let us go into history with a group of 40 Pakistani idols.
The Corps of Forty, also known as Dal Chalisa or Turkan-e-Chahalgani, was a council of 40 mostly Turkic slave emirs who administered the Delhi Sultanate according to the sultan’s wishes.
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Formation and Purpose: The Corps of Forty was initially formed by Shamsuddin Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Mamluk dynasty. Although the sultan held ultimate power, he needed assistance in effectively ruling his kingdom.
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The emirs in this council helped enthrone and depose Iltutmish’s descendants, often resorting to violence when necessary.
Shift in Power: After Iltutmish’s death, the balance of power shifted, and the sultan became a puppet of these emirs.
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However, this situation changed when Sultan Balban, a former member of the Corps, took charge. Balban broke the power of the emirs and restored the sultan’s authority.
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Legacy: The dissolution of the Corps had unintended consequences. Without the Chahalgani maintaining a Turkic monopoly on power, they became vulnerable to the Khalji faction, which eventually overthrew the Turks in the Khalji Revolution.
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In summary, the Turkan-e-Chahalgani played a crucial role in the Delhi Sultanate’s administration, shaping its history during a tumultuous period.
Let’s explore some instances of corruption associated with this group:
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Tax Evasion and Extortion:
The emirs within the Corps often exploited their positions to evade taxes or extort money from merchants and common people.
They would demand bribes or impose arbitrary levies, causing financial hardship for the populace.
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Land Grabbing:
Some members of the Corps engaged in land-grabbing practices. They would seize fertile lands, displacing local farmers and peasants.
These ill-gotten lands were often distributed among themselves, leading to inequality and resentment.
Nepotism and favoritism:
The emirs promoted their own family members and close associates to key administrative positions.
Meritocracy took a back seat, and qualified individuals were overlooked in favor of personal connections.
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Influence Peddling:
The Corps manipulated court decisions, favoring those who paid them off or had influential backers. Justice became a commodity, eroding public trust in the legal system.
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Embezzlement and misappropriation:
Funds meant for public welfare, infrastructure, and defense were often siphoned off by corrupt emirs.
These resources were diverted for personal gain, leaving essential services underfunded.
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Conflict of interest:
Some emirs held dual roles, serving both in the Corps and as provincial governors.
This led to conflicts of interest, as they prioritized their own wealth and power over the welfare of the state.
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Lack of Accountability:
The Corps operated with impunity, rarely facing consequences for their corrupt actions.
The absence of checks and balances allowed corruption to thrive.
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In summary, the Turkan-e-Chahalgani’s corruption undermined the stability and prosperity of the Delhi Sultanate, contributing to its eventual decline. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and corruption in any ruling elite.
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Many problems in Pakistan today remain the same. When you idolize corrupt heroes, you become the same.
Jai Shri Ram to all of you.