Lack of Public Say: In a tanashahi, the people being ruled rarely have a say in who gets to be their leader. Because everything is pre-determined, a society could become stuck with an abusive individual in power for multiple decades and have little recourse to save themselves1.

Difficulty in Changing Direction: Because only one family or one “noble” group is allowed into the ruling class under the structure of a tanashahi, it becomes difficult for the people to direct a change in what happens in their society1.

Perpetuation of Elitism and Inequality: Critics insist that tanashahi is an outdated institution that perpetuates elitism and inequality within society2.

Undemocratic: tanashahi is often criticized for being undemocratic as the power is concentrated in the hands of a single family or individual2.