Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Delhi Sultanate period witnessed significant developments in Indian agriculture, building upon existing indigenous systems while introducing new elements. While largely agrarian, the Sultanate’s economic policies were heavily influenced by the need to maintain a strong military and administrative apparatus. Agriculture formed the backbone of the Sultanate economy, providing revenue and sustenance. The state’s involvement in agriculture was primarily focused on land revenue extraction, leading to the evolution of various systems like *iqta*, *muqata’a*, and *batta*. Understanding the state of agriculture during this period is crucial to comprehending the socio-economic fabric of medieval India.
Early Sultanate Period (Slave Dynasty - 1206-1290)
Under the Slave Dynasty, agricultural practices largely continued along pre-existing lines. The *iqta* system, borrowed from the Ghurid rulers, was the dominant land revenue system. Land was assigned to military officers (*muqta’s*) who were responsible for collecting revenue from the peasants. This system, while intended to decentralize administration, often led to exploitation and instability. Crop patterns included wheat, barley, sugarcane, and cotton. Irrigation relied heavily on wells and tanks, with limited state involvement in large-scale irrigation projects.
The Khalji Revolution (1290-1320)
Alauddin Khalji’s reign marked a significant shift in agricultural policy. He implemented a comprehensive land revenue system aimed at maximizing state income. The land was measured, and revenue was fixed at half the produce. This was a drastic measure, and its implementation led to widespread peasant discontent. Alauddin also introduced the *muqata’a* system, where land revenue was fixed permanently, and collected by appointed officials. He established a large standing army, which required substantial agricultural surplus. He also controlled the market to ensure low prices for his army.
The Tughlaq Period (1320-1414)
Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s agricultural policies were characterized by experimentation and often, failure. He attempted to introduce the *do-aspa* (four-year assessment) system, where revenue was assessed based on the average yield of the previous four years. This proved impractical due to fluctuating yields and led to widespread famine. He also initiated large-scale irrigation projects, such as the construction of canals in the Gangetic plains, but these were often poorly managed and unsustainable. Firoz Shah Tughlaq, in contrast, focused on providing irrigation facilities and establishing charitable institutions like hospitals and *dargahs* which indirectly benefited the agricultural community.
The Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties (1414-1526)
The Sayyid and Lodi dynasties witnessed a gradual decline in the central authority of the Sultanate. The *iqta* system regained prominence, and the control over agriculture weakened. Local chiefs and zamindars gained power, often exploiting the peasantry. Agricultural production continued, but the overall economic condition of the peasantry deteriorated. The focus shifted from ambitious revenue reforms to maintaining existing structures. The Lodi dynasty, particularly Sikandar Lodi, paid some attention to agriculture by reducing the burden of illegal taxes and promoting irrigation.
Irrigation and Technology
Irrigation during the Sultanate period was primarily dependent on natural sources like rivers, wells, and tanks. The state’s role in constructing large-scale irrigation works was limited, with notable exceptions during the Tughlaq period. Persian wheel (*saqia*) was introduced and became increasingly common for lifting water from wells. Agricultural technology remained largely traditional, with limited use of iron tools. The use of manure was prevalent, but the understanding of soil fertility was rudimentary.
Crop Patterns and Commercial Agriculture
The major crops grown during the Sultanate period included wheat, barley, rice, sugarcane, cotton, and various pulses. Indigo and poppy were also cultivated for commercial purposes. The growth of urban centers led to increased demand for agricultural produce, fostering a degree of commercialization. However, the primary focus remained on subsistence agriculture. The Sultanate rulers encouraged the cultivation of cash crops to generate revenue and support trade.
| Dynasty | Land Revenue System | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Slave | Iqta | Land assigned to military officers; decentralized administration; potential for exploitation. |
| Khalji | Muqata’a | Land measured; revenue fixed at half the produce; centralized control; market regulation. |
| Tughlaq | Do-aspa | Revenue based on average yield of four years; ambitious irrigation projects; often impractical. |
| Sayyid & Lodi | Iqta (revival) | Decentralization; weakening central control; rise of local chiefs; deterioration of peasant conditions. |
Conclusion
The agricultural state during the Delhi Sultanate period was characterized by a complex interplay of indigenous practices and administrative interventions. While the Sultanate rulers attempted to maximize revenue extraction through various land revenue systems, these policies often had detrimental effects on the peasantry. The introduction of new irrigation technologies and commercial crops contributed to some degree of agricultural development, but the overall condition of the agricultural sector remained vulnerable to fluctuations in climate and political instability. The legacy of the Sultanate’s agricultural policies laid the foundation for subsequent developments during the Mughal period.
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.