The reigning family of Persia are the hereditary chiefs of the royal Kajar tribe, and still preserve the customs of that position.  They have not changed the manly habits of a warlike race for the luxury and lethargy which sapped the energies and ruined the lives of so many monarchs of Persia.  Up to the time of the present ruling dynasty the princes of the blood were immured in the harem, where their education was left to women and their attendants, and until the death of the King his destined successor was not known.  At that period the son of the lowest slave in the harem was deemed equally eligible to succeed to the throne with the offspring of the proudest princess who boasted the honour of marriage with the Sovereign.  And similarly as in the West, up to about four hundred years ago, the Crown was generally made secure by murder, every actual or possible rival for the throne being blinded or removed from the scene.  This was the practice of the Soffivean dynasty, which preceded the Kajar.  But with the change which then took place, this hideous practice disappeared, and usages more congenial to the feelings of the military tribes which support the throne were established.  Under the late Shah the princes of the blood were employed in the chief governments of the country, and exercised all the powers and responsibilities of office.

Persia may be described as a theocratic democracy under an absolute monarchy.  There is no hereditary rank but that of royal birth, and that of the chiefs of the military tribes, who may be regarded as a military aristocracy; but there is a system of life titles which secure to the holders certain privileges and immunities, and are much prized.  The titles are nominally descriptive of some personal quality, talent, or trust, such as Councillor of the State, Confidant of the King, Trusted of the Sultan; they are also bestowed upon ladies in high position.  The name of an animal is never introduced into the title; at least, I have only heard of one instance to the contrary in modern times.  An individual of European parentage was recommended to the late Shah’s notice and favour by his Persian patrons, and they mentioned his great wish to be honoured with a title.  His Majesty, who had a keen sense of humour, observed the suggestive appearance of the candidate for honours, and said, ‘Well, he is Hujabr-i-Mulk’ (the Lion of the Country).  The new noble was ready with his grateful thanks:  ’Your sacred Majesty, may I be thy sacrifice;’ but he added in a subdued tone, ’A lion requires at least a lamb a day.’  The Shah laughed at the meaning speech, and said, ‘Let him have it.’  The granting of a title does not give any emolument unless specially directed.  As a precedent for this title, the Shah may have had in his mind the story of Ali Kuli Khan, one of the favourites of Shah Suliman.  During the reign of Shah Abbas this chief was generally in prison, except when his services were required against the enemies of his country.  This had gained for him the name of the Lion of Persia, as men said that he was always chained except when wanted to fight.