UPSC Prelims 1998·GS1·history·medieval history

Assertion (A): At first the Turkish administration in India was essentially military. Reason (R): The country was parcelled out as ‘Iqtas’ among leading military leaders.

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  1. ABoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of ACorrect
  2. BBoth A and R are true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
  3. CA is true, but R is false
  4. DA is false, but R is true

Explanation

The correct option is A because the early Turkish rulers like Qutubuddin Aibak and Iltutmish faced constant internal rebellions and external threats from the Mongols. To maintain control over a vast and newly conquered territory, they relied heavily on their army. The administrative system was structured to support this military need by dividing the empire into Iqtas, which were land grants given to military commanders known as Iqtadars. These commanders were responsible for maintaining law and order and providing troops to the Sultan when needed. Therefore, the division of the country into Iqtas directly explains why the initial Turkish administration was essentially military in character.
history: Assertion (A): At first the Turkish administration in India was essentially military. Reason (R): The country was parcel

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