"Lessons from the Seljuks
The Asian Age India | Gautam Pingle
The Book of Rules for Kings or Siyasat-nama (252 pages in 50 chapters) was composed in 1086 by Nizam al-Mulk, the chief minister of two Seljuk rulers of Persia for over 30 years.
The Seljuks (originally from the Kyrghyz steppes) had a system of raising young boys who they had either bought or captured. These boys were trained as the elite of the army and government. The other cadre was composed of Turks, who were not trusted too much.
Much of the Siyasat-nama is dedicated to showing how the king can protect his throne, give justice to his people, keep the high and mighty officials in check and do good. Apart from appeals to his self-interest, the king is reminded of the examples (good and bad) of former rulers and enjoined to follow the tenets of the Quran. All its recommendations are supported by examples of instances in the past."
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