Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Muhammad bin Tughluq (r. 1325-1351) remains one of the most controversial figures in Indian medieval history. He was a Sultan known for his bold, often radical, schemes aimed at reforming the administration and economy of the Delhi Sultanate. However, these initiatives were frequently met with resistance and ultimately led to widespread discontent and even rebellion. The question of whether his schemes were ‘correctly conceived, badly executed and disastrously abandoned’ is a long-standing debate among historians. This answer will analyze the major policies of Tughluq, assessing their initial rationale, the manner of their implementation, and the reasons for their eventual failure, to arrive at a reasoned conclusion.
The Token Currency Scheme (1329)
Conception: The introduction of copper coins as token currency, backed by the royal treasury, was a remarkably forward-thinking idea. It aimed to address the shortage of silver and facilitate trade. The concept was inspired by Chinese practices and was intended to democratize access to coinage.
Execution: The execution was flawed. Tughluq failed to adequately control the circulation of the coins or prevent forgery. People began to create counterfeit coins, flooding the market and devaluing the currency. Furthermore, the Sultan’s insistence on accepting the token currency at par with silver for all transactions, including tribute payments, created resentment.
Abandonment: The scheme was abandoned after only a few years, resulting in significant financial loss to the Sultanate and a loss of public trust. The recovery of all the copper coins proved impossible.
Shifting of the Capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (1327)
Conception: The decision to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (in present-day Maharashtra) was motivated by several factors. Firstly, Daulatabad was strategically located for controlling the Deccan and suppressing potential rebellions in the South. Secondly, Delhi was vulnerable to Mongol invasions. Tughluq envisioned Daulatabad as a more secure and centrally located capital.
Execution: The execution was brutal and poorly planned. The entire population of Delhi, including nobles, officials, and commoners, was forcibly relocated to Daulatabad. This caused immense hardship, suffering, and loss of life due to the harsh journey and unfamiliar climate. The infrastructure at Daulatabad was inadequate to support such a large influx of people.
Abandonment: The capital was shifted back to Delhi in 1335. The reasons included the difficulty of governing the empire from the distant Deccan, the continued threat of Mongol invasions in the North, and widespread discontent among the population. The scheme proved to be a logistical nightmare and a political disaster.
Taxation in the Doab Region
Conception: Tughluq attempted to increase revenue collection in the fertile Doab region (between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers). He aimed to restore the agricultural prosperity of the area, which had been affected by previous rebellions and mismanagement. The intention was to create a more efficient and equitable tax system.
Execution: The implementation was harsh and oppressive. Tughluq imposed exorbitant taxes on the peasantry, often exceeding their capacity to pay. He also reintroduced forced labor and confiscated land from those who failed to meet their tax obligations. The assessment of land revenue was often arbitrary and unjust.
Abandonment: The excessive taxation led to widespread peasant revolts, culminating in a major uprising in 1333. The Sultan was forced to abandon the harsh tax policies and offer concessions to the peasantry. The rebellion severely weakened the Sultanate’s authority.
Military Reforms and the Introduction of ‘Haqq-i-Shurb’
Conception: Tughluq sought to create a large, well-trained, and permanently maintained army. He introduced the system of ‘Haqq-i-Shurb’ (drinking money), a form of cash allowance paid directly to soldiers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring their loyalty. This was a progressive step towards professionalizing the army.
Execution: While the concept was sound, the scale of the army became unsustainable. Tughluq’s army swelled to an enormous size, placing a huge strain on the state’s finances. Maintaining such a large force proved to be a logistical and economic burden.
Abandonment: The scheme was gradually scaled back due to its financial implications. The large army, while initially intended to be a strength, became a liability.
| Scheme | Conception | Execution | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Token Currency | Address silver shortage, facilitate trade | Poor control, forgery, forced acceptance | Abandoned, financial loss |
| Capital Shift | Strategic location, security from Mongols | Brutal relocation, logistical nightmare | Abandoned, widespread discontent |
| Doab Taxation | Restore agricultural prosperity, efficient revenue | Oppressive taxes, land confiscation | Peasant revolts, policy reversal |
| Military Reforms | Professionalize army, direct payment to soldiers | Unsustainable army size, financial strain | Scheme scaled back |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Muhammad bin Tughluq’s schemes were often innovative and conceptually sound, their execution was consistently flawed, leading to disastrous consequences. His policies were frequently implemented with excessive haste, a lack of sensitivity to local conditions, and a disregard for the welfare of the population. The abandonment of these schemes further exacerbated the problems they were intended to solve. Therefore, the assessment that his schemes were ‘correctly conceived, badly executed and disastrously abandoned’ holds considerable merit, though it’s important to acknowledge his ambition and vision, even if ultimately misguided. His reign serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of careful planning, effective implementation, and a nuanced understanding of the socio-political context in governance.
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.