Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Firuz Shah Tughluq (1351-1388) is often remembered for his benevolent rule and public works, but his economic policies were complex and had far-reaching consequences. Unlike his predecessor Muhammad bin Tughluq, whose economic experiments were often disruptive, Firuz Shah aimed for stability and sought to address the grievances of various sections of society. His policies, while intended to stimulate the economy and improve the lives of his subjects, also contributed to the long-term decline of the Delhi Sultanate by prioritizing short-term gains over sustainable economic practices. This answer will evaluate these policies, examining their impact on agriculture, taxation, trade, and public welfare.
Agricultural Policies
Firuz Shah prioritized agricultural expansion and irrigation. He established numerous jals (reservoirs) and canals, notably the Hakikabad canal, to facilitate irrigation and reclaim land for cultivation. He also distributed land grants to soldiers, religious scholars, and other deserving individuals, encouraging agricultural production. However, these grants were often revenue-free (milk) or subject to very low taxation, reducing the state’s income.
- Impact: Increased agricultural output in the short term, but reduced state revenue and created a class of landed elites who were less incentivized to invest in land improvement.
Taxation Policies
Firuz Shah abolished several ‘un-Islamic’ taxes levied by his predecessors, such as the jizya on Brahmins. He also reduced the land revenue demand, aiming to alleviate the burden on peasants. He introduced a system of fixed taxation based on land measurement, aiming for fairness and predictability. However, the abolition of certain taxes and the reduction of revenue rates significantly diminished the Sultanate’s financial resources.
- Impact: Increased peasant satisfaction and reduced resentment towards the state, but weakened the Sultanate’s financial position, hindering its ability to maintain a strong army and administration.
Trade and Commerce
Firuz Shah encouraged trade and commerce by establishing several new towns (firozabad) and providing facilities for merchants. He also regulated weights and measures to ensure fair trade practices. He established a public kitchen (dar-ul-khair) and a hospital (dar-ush-shifa) which stimulated local economies. However, his policies did not focus on promoting long-distance trade or developing a robust commercial infrastructure.
- Impact: Boosted local trade and provided employment opportunities, but failed to address the structural weaknesses in the Sultanate’s commercial system.
Public Works and Welfare
Firuz Shah was a prolific builder, constructing numerous mosques, madrasas, hospitals, and canals. He also established a public works department to oversee these projects, providing employment to a large number of people. He created a system of charitable foundations (waqfs) to provide assistance to the poor and needy. These public works, while beneficial, were expensive and further strained the Sultanate’s finances.
| Policy Area | Key Measures | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Canals, land grants (milk) | Short-term increase in output, reduced state revenue |
| Taxation | Abolition of ‘un-Islamic’ taxes, reduced land revenue | Peasant satisfaction, weakened finances |
| Trade | New towns, regulated weights & measures | Boosted local trade, limited long-distance commerce |
| Public Works | Mosques, hospitals, canals, waqfs | Employment, welfare, strained finances |
Long-Term Consequences
While Firuz Shah’s policies aimed at improving the lives of his subjects, they ultimately contributed to the decline of the Delhi Sultanate. The reduction in state revenue weakened the central government, making it difficult to maintain a strong army and administration. The proliferation of revenue-free land grants created a powerful landed aristocracy that challenged the Sultan’s authority. The lack of focus on long-term economic development left the Sultanate vulnerable to external threats and internal rebellions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Firuz Shah Tughluq’s economic policies were a mixed bag. While his benevolent intentions and focus on public welfare earned him a reputation as a just ruler, his policies ultimately undermined the financial stability of the Sultanate. The emphasis on short-term gains over sustainable economic practices, coupled with the weakening of central authority, laid the groundwork for the eventual disintegration of the Tughluq dynasty. His legacy remains a cautionary tale of how well-intentioned policies can have unintended and detrimental consequences.
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.