Çakari succession crisis

The Çakari succession crisis of 1704 AN occurred when the Tobu Emperor was assassinated. Since the creation of the sultanate, which formed into the Ultimate Çakar Sultanate, as well as the transition to the Great Apollonian Empire, the succession to the throne has not been formally regulated. It was assumed that Hrithik would succeed his father, but at the time of his father's death, he was only 11 years old.

Background

No Constitution

Sylvania, and later Çakaristan, had no constitution. At the great assembly after the Sylvanian National Awakening, a monarch was elected, namely Abu Çakar as sultan, but no agreement on a constitution. There were several sketches and some things were agreed upon, such as the establishment of the Majlis al-Sultina and a government under a Grand Vizier. But it was precisely about the succession to the throne that there was no agreement.

The Adarani-speaking community advocated male succession through maternal lineage. The Arboric-speaking community advocated strict male succession. Others advocated succession to the eldest child, regardless of gender. And others argued for an elected succession.

After the merger into the Great Apollonian Empire, the succession would be settled in the announced Codex Apollonia. Unfortunately, that constitution was never formally adopted. Therefore, the succession remained undetermined.

Akbar's legacy

Akbar was a strong advocate of incorporating fundamental rights and freedoms into the constitution. His philosophy was: "Fundamental rights and freedoms are not granted by an authority, they are merely protected. For what an authority gives, that authority can take away."

Akbar said several things about succession to the throne, including: "I would not wish the burden of rule on my son" and "A ruler must serve his people, therefore the people must choose their ruler".

Notes for a constitution written by Akbar, with all kinds of considerations and explanations, had been collected into what is called the "Akbar papers".

Void

On 24.XII.1704 AN, the Tobu Emperor, Akbar, was assassinated. This combined with the Second Kildarian Revolution caused uncertainty in the crumbling empire. In all haste, the body of the deceased Emperor was transferred to Agra. The Sultana was reunited with her children in Keruliya. Then they travelled together to Agra to say goodbye to their husband and father. Their convoy was blocked by the many people who had come to Agra to say goodbye to their ruler. Jodha got out of the car and let her children out too. The security guards became very nervous at this decision. She hissed to the head of the guard, "These are the Sultan's people, my people."

The crowd was surprised to see Sultana and her children standing between them. An impressive silence made even the birds hear. The Sultana put her black veil over her head, took her children by the hand and started walking towards the Red Fortress. The crowd mourned with her, forming a path so that she was allowed to pass undisturbed and with great respect. Silently, the Sultanic family walked towards the Red Fortress. No one had yet been allowed into the fortress to see the Emperor. His coffin was set up in front of the throne, where he was seated as Sultan. Jodha burst into tears and great sorrow at the coffin. The rest of the Çakar family was present, Manikarnika and Rani Champavati rushed to hold Jodha as she collapsed to the ground.

A triumvirate was formed to hold the Çakari community together, which consisted of:

• Amir Çakar, brother of the late Emperor,
• Mutasim al-Baccus, Mahaan Mansabdar (general of the Çakari Armed Forces) and
• Jayanti Sinha, former Grand Vizier.

While Amir ensured a dignified farewell to the Emperor, Mutasim al-Baccus with the Çakari Armed Forces secured the territory of the Çakari community. Jayanti Sinha organised a meeting of the Grand Assembly. As after the Sylvanian National Awakening, the Grand Assembly would determine the future.