Que. Elaborate upon the agrarian reforms of Alauddin Khilji.
अलाउद्दीन खिलजी के कृषि संबंधी सुधारों का विस्तारण कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Briefly introduce Alauddin Khilji’s agrarian reforms and their primary purpose of enhancing state control over the agrarian economy.
(ii) Main Body: Elaborate on the various aspects of Alauddin Khilji’s reforms, focusing on revenue assessment, market regulation, and the political impact.
(iii) Conclusion: Conclude with the long-term implications of his reforms on the Delhi Sultanate’s economy and governance structure.
Introduction
Alauddin Khilji’s agrarian reforms were driven by the need to maximize state revenue, reduce noble influence, and ensure food security. These measures marked a significant departure from the earlier feudal system of tax collection.
Revenue Assessment and Land Surveys
(i) Introduction of Scientific Revenue Assessment: Khilji implemented “scientific revenue assessment” by introducing the “zabt” system, ensuring taxation was based on actual production, curbing revenue manipulation.
(ii) State’s Share of Produce Fixed at 50%: The state’s share of agricultural produce was fixed at 50%, increasing state revenue and reducing the peasants’ exploitation by “intermediaries.”
(iii) Comprehensive Land Surveys (Paimash): Land surveys (“paimash”) were systematically conducted to accurately measure land, ensuring an equitable and transparent taxation system.
(iv) Direct Collection of Revenue: Revenue was collected directly from peasants, reducing the influence of “zamindars” and ensuring a larger portion of revenue reached the state treasury.
(v) Standardization of Taxation Across Regions: Khilji’s policies standardized tax collection across different regions, including both “crown” and “non-crown” land, centralizing the state’s authority over agrarian resources.
Market Control and Price Regulation
(i) Institution of Market Control Measures: Alauddin Khilji introduced strict “market control” to regulate prices of essential commodities, preventing inflation and ensuring affordability for all citizens.
(ii) Price Fixation for Essential Commodities: The prices of essential items like grains, cloth, and livestock were “fixed,” ensuring a stable market economy, especially to support the needs of his army.
(iii) Control over Grain Supply Chains: Grain merchants were placed under strict surveillance to prevent “hoarding” and price manipulation, ensuring steady supplies at controlled prices.
(iv) Appointment of Market Officials: Officials known as “diwan-i-riyasat” were appointed to monitor markets, oversee price regulations, and prevent traders from engaging in profiteering.
(v) Impact on Traders and Nobles: Khilji’s market reforms reduced the economic power of traders and nobles, aligning market forces with the state’s interests and ensuring military sustenance.
Political Impact of Agrarian Reforms
(i) Reduction in Noble Influence: By directly collecting revenue from peasants and controlling the market, Khilji weakened the economic and political influence of the “nobility.”
(ii) Control Over Rural Elites (Zamindars): The influence of “zamindars” was curtailed by reducing their role in tax collection, ensuring greater state control over rural areas.
(iii) Centralization of Power: The agrarian reforms led to the “centralization of power” in the Delhi Sultanate, reducing the autonomy of local rulers and enhancing state control over the agrarian economy.
(iv) Confiscation of Nobles’ Wealth: Khilji confiscated surplus wealth from nobles to prevent them from accumulating resources that could challenge the Sultanate’s authority.
(v) Institutionalization of Agrarian Administration: These reforms institutionalized agrarian administration, setting a precedent for future rulers of the Delhi Sultanate to maintain control over land revenue and the rural economy.
Conclusion
Alauddin Khilji’s agrarian reforms transformed “medieval Indian governance,” enhancing the Sultanate’s revenue, reducing noble influence, and centralizing power. These reforms laid the foundation for future rulers’ control over the agrarian economy.
