Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Alauddin Khalji (r. 1296-1316) is renowned for his ambitious administrative and economic reforms, particularly his agrarian policy. While often presented as aimed at maximizing state revenue, a deeper analysis reveals a strategic intent to dismantle the power of the traditional landed intermediaries – the *muqaddams* and *khots* – who posed a challenge to the centralized authority of the Sultanate. These intermediaries had historically enjoyed significant autonomy, often exploiting the peasantry and weakening the Sultan’s control over land and resources. Alauddin’s reforms, therefore, were not merely fiscal but fundamentally political, designed to establish direct contact between the state and the agricultural producers.
Measures to Curb Intermediary Power
Alauddin Khalji implemented a series of measures to achieve his objective. These can be broadly categorized into land revenue assessment, collection methods, and administrative restructuring.
1. Land Revenue Assessment & Measurement
- Measurement of Land: Alauddin ordered a detailed measurement of land across the Sultanate, using a standard unit called *gaz-i-ilahi*. This eliminated arbitrary assessments by local intermediaries.
- Fixation of Revenue: Land revenue was fixed at half the produce, a significant departure from previous practices where intermediaries often levied exorbitant taxes. This fixed rate, though high, provided predictability and reduced the scope for exploitation.
- Taxation of Uncultivated Lands: Even previously untaxed lands were brought under the revenue net, further expanding the Sultanate’s income and diminishing the intermediaries’ control over resources.
2. Collection Methods & Direct Control
- Abolition of *Iqta* System: The traditional *iqta* system, where land revenue rights were granted to nobles and military commanders, was largely abolished. This removed a major source of power for the nobility and brought revenue collection directly under the Sultan’s control.
- Establishment of *Diwan-i-Mustakhraj*: A dedicated department, the *Diwan-i-Mustakhraj* (Department of Revenue Recovery), was established to ensure efficient and ruthless collection of land revenue. This department bypassed the intermediaries and directly interacted with the peasants.
- Introduction of *Muhasil* & *Amil*: Alauddin appointed state officials – *muhasil* (revenue collectors) and *amil* (accountants) – to oversee revenue collection at the local level, further reducing the role of intermediaries.
3. Administrative Restructuring & Control over Village Administration
- Appointment of *Qazis* & *Amils* in Villages: The Sultan appointed *qazis* (judges) and *amils* directly to villages, bypassing the traditional village headmen (*muqaddams*). This allowed the state to directly administer justice and collect revenue.
- Control over Grain Markets: Alauddin established a system of state-controlled grain markets in Delhi and other major cities. This ensured a stable supply of grain for the army and the population, and also allowed the Sultan to regulate prices, further weakening the economic power of the intermediaries.
- Suppression of Village Chieftains: Alauddin actively suppressed any attempts by village chieftains or intermediaries to resist his reforms. Barani mentions instances of harsh punishments inflicted upon those who challenged the Sultan’s authority.
However, it’s important to note that the complete elimination of intermediaries was not achieved. They continued to exist at the local level, albeit with significantly reduced powers and under the strict supervision of the Sultan’s officials. The reforms primarily aimed at curtailing their political and economic autonomy, bringing them under the direct control of the central government.
Conclusion
Alauddin Khalji’s agrarian policy was a landmark administrative intervention aimed at consolidating the Sultanate’s power. By meticulously measuring land, fixing revenue rates, and establishing direct control over revenue collection, he effectively curtailed the influence of the landed intermediaries. While the policy was undoubtedly harsh and exploitative towards the peasantry, its primary objective was to strengthen the central authority and ensure a stable economic base for the Sultanate. The reforms laid the foundation for a more centralized and efficient administrative system, though their long-term sustainability remained questionable after his death.
Answer Length
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