Delhi Sultanate History: Khalji and Tughlaq Dynasties

Historians like Ziauddin Barani recorded three major administrative experiments of Muhammad bin Tughlaq: increased taxation in the Doab region, the disastrous capital transfer from Delhi to Daulatabad, and the introduction of token currency. All three were significant historical initiatives.

Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq founded the Tughlaq dynasty in 1320 after becoming Sultan of Delhi, ending the Khalji dynasty. His reign faced significant challenges including Mongol threats and internal instability. All statements (A, B, C) are historically accurate.

This requires matching Tughlaq rulers to their reign periods. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq ruled 1320-25 (match with 3), Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq ruled 1325-51 (match with 1), Firoz Shah Tughlaq ruled 1351-88 (match with 2), and Khijr Khan ruled 1414-21 (match with 4). Option B correctly sequences these as (a)3, (b)1, (c)2, (d)4.

This matches administrative positions in the Delhi Sultanate. Wazir was the head of the Finance Department (3). Mustaufi was the Auditor General (1). Diwan-i-Rasalat was the Department of Appeal (2). Diwan-i-Wazirat was the Office of the Wazir (4). Option A correctly matches (a)3, (b)1, (c)2, (d)4.

Alauddin Khalji implemented multiple measures to prevent rebellions: confiscating property of feudal lords (iqtadars) and bringing land under direct state control (khalsa), organizing an extensive spy network, prohibiting intoxicants in Delhi, and banning social gatherings among nobility. Option D encompasses all these strategies.

Sarai-i-Adl (House of Justice) was a specialized market established by Alauddin Khalji to control prices and ensure fair trade. It was part of his market regulation system where goods were sold at fixed government-controlled rates. Option A is correct.

Alauddin Khalji's military reforms followed a sequence: first establishing regular attendance (3) to ensure discipline, then introducing horse branding (1) to prevent fraud, and finally deploying advanced technology like mortars (2). Option C correctly sequences this as 3, 1, 2.

Alauddin Khalji was the first Muslim ruler to implement a systematic revenue assessment based on actual land measurement and fixed produce shares (half the produce). Earlier rulers had less systematic approaches. This reform formed the basis of the subsequent Dahsala system under Sher Shah and Akbar.

Naqisherb was a 10% irrigation tax introduced by Firoz Tughlaq. It applied to the entire agricultural production and was collected only from those who benefited from irrigation facilities. All three statements correctly describe this tax.

This question asks for the incorrectly matched pair. Diwan-i-Mustakhraj was indeed created by Alauddin Khalji (A is correct). Diwan-i-Kohi was Mohammad bin Tughlaq's agriculture department (B is correct). Diwan-i-Bandagan (Slave Department) was Firoz Tughlaq's creation (C is correct). However, Diwan-i-Aiz was not created by Iltutmish - this is the incorrect match.

Masahat is an Arabic term used in medieval Indian land revenue systems that refers to the measurement or area of land. It was the fundamental unit for assessing and calculating land revenue during the Delhi Sultanate period. The other options describe different concepts: infertile land would be called 'banjar' or similar terms, documents of land revenue were called 'qaul' or 'parwana', and excess revenue demands had different terminology.

Mohammad-bin Tughlaq's experimental taxation in the Doab region involved raising land revenue demand to 50% of the produce, which was a significant increase from normal rates. He also levied additional taxes on the already burdened peasantry. This excessive taxation, combined with drought conditions, led to a severe famine that caused widespread distress and migration. These measures proved disastrous and were eventually withdrawn.

Under Sikandar Lodhi, the Iqtadari system underwent significant reforms where the terminology and administrative structure were modified. The change in nomenclature from 'Mukti' to 'Wazafdar' represented an important administrative reorganization that helped streamline the revenue collection system. The other options are incorrect: the Iqtadari system did deal with land grants, and officials could still be transferred.