Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

It was a bright and bustling evening in the capital of the Amir Sultanate, the heart of a thriving mercantile kingdom. Although not the wealthiest city in the region, it was undeniably influential, teeming with the potential for trade and commerce. Its location at the crossroads of major trade routes made it a vibrant hub where goods and ideas converged.

The city served as the administrative center for the Sultanate, attracting merchants and traders from far and wide. They came not only to sell their wares but also to manage their extensive networks within the Sultanate. The Amir Sultanate, though small in size, had carved out a unique position for itself, nestled between powerful neighbors—the Mughals to the north, the Marathas to the west, and the resurgent Vijayanagara Empire to the south.

Its strategic neutrality had shielded it from the chaos that often engulfed the subcontinent. Historically, the Amir Sultanate had avoided entangling itself in the region's volatile conflicts, preferring instead to act as a mediator and safe haven for trade. This policy of nonalignment was a cornerstone of their prosperity and stability.

However, neutrality did not mean weakness. Despite its modest size, the Sultanate wielded significant influence through its economic prowess. The city's marketplaces were filled with goods, and its coffers filled with the profits of this commerce. This wealth gave the Sultanate leverage, even against larger powers like the Mughals, who had been expanding aggressively in recent decades.

The Mughal Empire, while formidable, was not without its challenges. Rapid expansion had left them overstretched, facing enemies on multiple fronts. To the west, the Marathas fiercely resisted Mughal incursions, while the Varna Kingdom to the east posed another persistent threat.

The Amir Sultanate's leadership recognized these vulnerabilities and adopted a long-term strategy to preserve their independence.

Rather than aligning with the Mughals, despite repeated overtures, the Sultanate chose to exploit the empire's struggles to maintain its own neutrality. This approach allowed them to act as a balancing force in the region. Read exclusive content at empire

The Sultanate's rulers understood that neutrality was both their shield and their greatest weapon.

This made the other kingdom reluctant to invade, as the Amir was quite capable of defensive warfare, which meant that trying to conquer the Sultanate would give gaps for their enemies to exploit their kingdom.

Their exceptional diplomatic ability to align itself with the major power was astounding.

Recently with the annexation of the Qutb Sultanate. A longstanding trade partner for the Amir Sultanate was gone. They now had to deal with the Empire, a much more fearsome power.

The Sultanate was yet to send a diplomat to the Empire for good relations. They didn't have to deal with them before, as they never shared borders and the Empire didn't' have much influence in the decision-making inside the Sultanate.

In the study room of the Sultan. There stood two figures discussing intensely with him.

Sultan Fazil Shah was the current head of the nation-state. He was quite a pragmatic and strategic individual. He knew the nuances of the politics and how to appease his populace. Unlike the Qutbs and other Muslim states. He didn't impose jizya and didn't forcefully convert the Hindus.

He knew the state of the other regimes trying to suppress their main population. The Muslim population was minor compared to the Hindu one. It made more sense for Fazil Shah to focus on the development of the Hindus and Muslims together, instead of suppressing one community.

Fazil knew that the betterment of the majority would bring more wealth back to his nation. He expelled quite a lot of Muslim clerks that opposed his ideals. He replaced them with much more competent figures.

"Your Majesty, we must send the diplomat as soon as possible to the Empire," said the Prime Minister, Somesh Kumar.

"I also agree with Prime Minister Somesh," said the Royal Army commander, Shakeer.

"The conquest of the Empire ended with little to no casualties, Your Majesty." Shakeer began. "They steamrolled and took over the region while the Marathas bore the brunt of the damage."

"I know that," Fazil muttered.

"They are even allies of the Marathas—the Yadavas. It is in our best interest to establish trade relations with the Empire," Somesh said, his tone steady.

Fazil leaned forward, fingers under his chin as he pondered the possibilities. The stalemate between the Mughals and Marathas had sent ripples across the subcontinent, affecting economies far beyond their borders. The Amir Sultanate had not been spared.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Trade with the Mughals, once a lucrative venture, had sharply declined. Heavy wartime taxes and reduced consumption within the Mughal Empire made it less appealing for merchants to sell their goods there. Fazil's kingdom, dependent on the stability of trade routes, had suffered a noticeable dip in revenue.

As a result, the merchants had begun diverting their goods towards more stable territories, such as the Varna Kingdom and the Kasim Sultanate. But now that peace was returning to the region, Fazil saw an opportunity to expand his kingdom's influence and bolster its economy. Establishing trade relations with the Vijayanagara Empire and their allies, like the Marathas and Yadavas, was an enticing prospect.

"Who should we send to negotiate?" Fazil finally asked, his voice breaking the heavy silence.

"Normally, it would be Balaji," Somesh replied, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "But I think it's better to send Rohan this time."

"Rohan? To the Vijayanagara Empire?" Fazil raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.

Rohan was no ordinary diplomat. He was the Sultanate's secret weapon in matters of delicate negotiation, a master of words and persuasion. His sharp intellect and unparalleled skill in diplomacy had earned him Fazil's highest trust. It was Rohan who had played a pivotal role in maintaining the Amir Sultanate's neutrality, ensuring its influence did not wane despite the region's ever-changing political landscape.

"We can send Balaji to the Marathas," Somesh continued. "He's competent enough to handle the task. As for the Yadavas, we can send someone else. Our past relations with them are strong enough that it won't require a diplomat of Rohan's caliber."

"So there's no major concern there," Fazil said with a sigh of relief.

"Exactly."

Their discussion was interrupted by the entrance of the royal commander. He bowed deeply before speaking. "Your Majesty, we have caught spies from the Kasim Sultanate lurking in the woods again."

Fazil's eyes narrowed. "Spies from them, again?"

"They won't admit it," Somesh remarked dryly.

"Extract whatever information you can," Fazil ordered, his tone cold. "Then kill them."

The commander bowed again. "Understood, Your Majesty." He turned and left the room silently, his departure leaving Fazil and Somesh alone .

Somesh looked at Fazil with an expectant look, awaiting instructions. "Should we inform Lord Yogi?"

"Of course. How else would Rohan move?" Fazil responded, his tone measured but firm.

The Amir Sultanate, despite its wealth and influence, was not without its complications. Though a small nation, it thrived on its reputation as a haven for trade. Its neutrality in most regional conflicts drew merchants from across the lands, including Mughal and Varna traders, who found the Sultanate an ideal place to conduct business without fear of political entanglements.

This neutrality wasn't just a policy; it was the lifeblood of the nation's economy. Merchants trusted the Sultanate to safeguard their wealth, and in return, they contributed to its coffers. The Amir Sultanate became a hub of commerce, its treasuries swelling with the riches of trade routes.

But with wealth came challenges. The merchants, sensing their collective power, had banded together generations ago, forming an influential guild. At its head was Yogi, a formidable figure who controlled the allegiance of over a hundred merchants, both great and small. Yogi was no mere trader; his wealth and influence could rival that of monarchs.

His family's legacy as kingmakers was well-known. Before the Amir Sultanate even came into existence, Yogi's ancestors had been instrumental in the rise and fall of three kingdoms in the region. Their ability to tip the scales of power made them indispensable allies—and dangerous adversaries.

Fazil's father had understood this, aligning himself with Yogi to secure his reign. Now, Fazil followed in his footsteps, relying on Yogi's support to stabilize the Sultanate. In recognition of Yogi's unparalleled contributions, Fazil had granted him feudal status, a move that formalized the merchant's authority and ensured his continued loyalty.

Yogi's influence extended beyond wealth. He commanded some of the largest private forces in the Sultanate to protect caravans. These forces were composed of talents like Rohan, individuals who were lured by Yogi's generous rewards and promises of power.

Somesh nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I shall inform Lord Yogi about this, Your Majesty," he said, preparing to leave.

"Wait," Fazil interjected. "There have been rumors circulating in the Sultanate. At first glance, they seem harmless, but I want them investigated. Quietly."

Somesh hesitated for a moment before bowing. "Yes, Your Majesty. I shall look into it."

He left quietly.

'Now I shall wait for the results.'

It was another day of political maneuvering for the Amir Sultanate.