Que. The economic measures of Alauddin Khalji were aimed at greater political control. Discuss.

अलाउद्दीन खिलजी के आर्थिक उपाय अधिकतम राजनीतिक नियंत्रण के दृष्टिगत बनाए गए थे। विवेचना कीजिए। 

Structure of the Answer

(i) Introduction: Mention how Alauddin Khalji’s “economic measures” were introduced to consolidate power by controlling resources, weakening regional elites, and ensuring political stability. 

(ii) Main Body: Explain how the “market control,” “land revenue reforms,” and “military reforms” were aimed at enhancing state power and curbing opposition. 

(iii) Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting how Alauddin’s “economic policies” successfully centralized authority and stabilized the empire through effective political control.

Introduction

Alauddin Khalji’s “economic measures” were designed to secure “greater political control” by centralizing authority, reducing the influence of feudal lords, and maintaining a loyal army, thereby stabilizing the Delhi Sultanate. 

Market Control and Price Regulation

Alauddin’s “market control” policies aimed at ensuring economic stability and maintaining loyalty of the army by regulating essential commodities.

(i) Fixed prices of goods: The Sultan established a comprehensive system to regulate prices of food grains, textiles, and other essentials to prevent inflation. 

(ii) Supervision of traders: Strict surveillance on traders prevented hoarding and black-marketing, which not only stabilized prices but also curtailed the economic power of merchants. 

(iii) State grain storage: Alauddin created large granaries to store grains, providing the state leverage in controlling market prices during shortages. 

(iv) Punishment for violations: Severe punishments, such as confiscation of property and imprisonment, were imposed on those who violated market regulations, ensuring discipline. 

(v) Revenue generation: The well-regulated market system increased tax revenues from merchants, which enhanced the financial stability of the state and contributed to political control. 

Land Revenue Reforms

Alauddin Khalji’s “land revenue reforms” focused on extracting maximum revenue directly from cultivators to weaken the power of regional elites.

(i) Direct state collection: The state took over the direct collection of land revenue, minimizing the role of intermediaries and strengthening central authority. 

(ii) Measurement-based taxes: Land was measured using standard units, and taxes were calculated on this basis to ensure fair and transparent revenue collection. 

(iii) Increased revenue share: A high percentage of agricultural produce was demanded as revenue, making the peasants dependent on the state rather than local landlords. 

(iv) Centralized control over land: Land control became centralized, reducing the autonomy of nobles and chieftains, thereby consolidating political power in the hands of the Sultan. 

(v) Revenue for military maintenance: The increased revenue allowed Alauddin to maintain a large standing army, which further consolidated his political and military dominance. 

Military and Administrative Reforms

Alauddin’s “military reforms” aimed at creating a loyal, efficient force to ensure his political dominance over the empire.

(i) Standing army establishment: Alauddin maintained a large, permanent army directly funded by the state, reducing reliance on regional forces. 

(ii) Cash payment to soldiers: Soldiers were paid in cash rather than land grants, ensuring their loyalty was directly tied to the Sultan and not to local landholders. 

(iii) Chehra system: The introduction of this system, where detailed records of soldiers were kept, ensured transparency and efficiency in military management. 

(iv) Horse branding (dagh system): Branding of horses guaranteed that soldiers were maintaining the required cavalry, ensuring military preparedness and state control. 

(v) Centralized command: Local officers were strictly monitored, and the central administration assumed greater control over provincial military commanders, strengthening the Sultan’s political authority. 

Conclusion

Alauddin Khalji’s “economic measures”—market control, land revenue reforms, and military centralization—were all aimed at securing “greater political control.” These policies enhanced his authority, weakened local elites, and ensured the stability of the “Delhi Sultanate.”