Explanations:The Persian tawarikh were historical chronicles written in Persian, often by scholars and courtiers who were part of the upper echelons of society. These authors frequently criticized the Delhi Sultanate for various reasons, including the social and political practices of the rulers. One of the key criticisms was the appointment of individuals from lower social classes to high-ranking positions within the administration and military.
The social hierarchy in medieval India was deeply entrenched, with a clear distinction between the nobility and the common people. The Persian tawarikh authors, who were often from the nobility, believed in a meritocratic system where high offices should be reserved for those of noble birth and high social standing. They viewed the appointment of "low and base-born" individuals to high offices as a violation of this social order and a threat to the stability and integrity of the Sultanate.
The term "low and base-born" refers to individuals who were not from the nobility or the upper classes. These individuals might have risen through the ranks due to their skills, loyalty, or other qualities, but their lower social origins were a point of contention for the Persian tawarikh authors. They believed that such appointments undermined the traditional social hierarchy and the perceived legitimacy of the Sultanate's governance.
It is important to understand the historical context of these criticisms. The Delhi Sultanate was a period of significant social and political change, with rulers often seeking to consolidate power and maintain control over a diverse and sometimes fractious population. The appointment of individuals from various social backgrounds was a strategy to build a loyal and effective administration, but it was not without its critics, particularly those who adhered to traditional social norms and hierarchies.
Therefore, the correct answer is that the authors of Persian tawarikh criticized the Delhi Sultans for appointing the "low and base-born" to high offices, reflecting their concerns about social order and the perceived threat to the traditional meritocratic system.