Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Barani, a 14th-century historian, provides a detailed account of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly the reign of Alauddin Khalji, in his work *Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi*. A significant aspect of Alauddin’s rule was his attempt to control the market, driven by the need to maintain a large and efficient army and fund his expansionist policies. He implemented a series of ordinances, or royal regulations, aimed at stabilizing prices, ensuring supply, and preventing hoarding. These measures were unprecedented in their scope and intensity, reflecting Alauddin’s strong centralized control and his pragmatic approach to governance. This answer will analyze the key ordinances promulgated by Alauddin Khalji as documented by Barani, focusing on their objectives and mechanisms.
Alauddin Khalji’s Market Control Ordinances: An Analysis
Alauddin Khalji’s market control measures were primarily aimed at stabilizing prices, particularly of grain and other essential commodities, to ensure a steady supply for his large army. Barani details several key ordinances:
1. Price Control Measures
- Fixed Prices: Alauddin fixed the prices of all commodities, including grain, sugar, cloth, slaves, and livestock. These prices were meticulously recorded in registers maintained by royal officials.
- Di-i-Koh: A specialized department, the *Di-i-Koh*, was established under a superintendent called *Shahna-i-Koh*. This department was responsible for gathering information about market prices from various regions and enforcing the fixed price regulations.
- Strict Penalties: Severe punishments were prescribed for those who violated the price regulations. These included fines, imprisonment, mutilation, and even death.
2. Regulation of Grain Storage and Supply
- State Granaries: Alauddin established state-owned granaries (*Khalisa*) to store grain procured directly from the peasants. This ensured a buffer stock to meet the demands of the army and the population during times of scarcity.
- Restrictions on Private Storage: Private traders were prohibited from storing large quantities of grain. This was intended to prevent hoarding and artificial inflation of prices.
- Control over Transportation: The movement of grain was closely monitored and regulated to ensure its smooth supply to the capital and the army.
3. Control over Trade and Merchants
- Regulation of Merchants: Merchants were registered and their activities were closely supervised by royal officials. They were required to sell their goods at the fixed prices.
- Control over Rural Economy: Alauddin implemented measures to control the rural economy, including the suppression of intermediaries and the direct assessment of land revenue. This aimed to increase the state’s revenue and ensure a steady supply of agricultural produce.
- Ban on Futua and Pawni: Alauddin abolished *futua* (unlawful exactions) and *pawni* (loans taken on the condition of personal service) to alleviate the burden on the peasantry.
4. Control over the Livestock Market
- Branding of Horses: Alauddin ordered the branding of horses to prevent the sale of inferior animals and to maintain the quality of the cavalry.
- Regulation of Cattle Markets: Cattle markets were closely regulated to control the prices of livestock and to ensure a steady supply of animals for the army.
Effectiveness and Consequences: While these ordinances initially succeeded in controlling prices and ensuring supply, their long-term effectiveness was questionable. The strict enforcement led to resentment among merchants and peasants. The system relied heavily on efficient administration and accurate information, which was difficult to maintain consistently. After Alauddin’s death, the system gradually collapsed due to lack of strong leadership and administrative weaknesses.
Conclusion
Alauddin Khalji’s market control ordinances, as documented by Barani, represent a remarkable attempt at state intervention in the economy. Driven by military and fiscal needs, these measures aimed to stabilize prices, ensure supply, and enhance state revenue. While initially successful, the system’s reliance on strict enforcement and efficient administration ultimately proved unsustainable. The ordinances highlight Alauddin’s pragmatic and centralized approach to governance, but also demonstrate the limitations of imposing rigid controls on a complex economic system.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.