Que. The motive of Alauddin Khalji’s agrarian policy was to curb the powers of the intermediaries. Examine the measures which he adopted to achieve his objective.
अलाउद्दीन खिलजी की कृषि नीति का उद्देश्य मध्यस्थ शक्तियों की सत्ता को नियंत्रित करना था। अपने उद्देश्य की प्राप्ति के लिए उसके द्वारा अपनाए गए उपायों का परीक्षण कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Introduce Alauddin Khalji’s agrarian policies aimed at limiting the powers of “intermediaries,” emphasizing state control and agricultural productivity for economic stability.
(ii) Main Body: Examine Khalji’s key measures, including direct taxation, land reforms, and administrative changes that curtailed intermediaries’ influence and strengthened state authority.
(iii) Conclusion: Summarize the effectiveness of Khalji’s measures in achieving economic stability, enhancing state control over agriculture, and reducing intermediaries’ power.
Introduction
Alauddin Khalji implemented extensive agrarian policies to curb the powers of “intermediaries,” emphasizing direct control over agricultural production, which enhanced state revenue, improved agricultural efficiency, and strengthened his regime’s overall authority.
Direct Revenue Collection and Land Reforms
(i) Abolishment of Intermediaries: Khalji abolished the “zail” system, which allowed intermediaries to collect taxes. By instituting direct revenue collection from “peasants,” the state reduced the influence of intermediaries over tax processes and ensured timely revenue.
(ii) Standardization of Taxation: He established a standardized taxation system where the agricultural tax was fixed at 50% of the produce. This eliminated variability and made tax collection more predictable, ensuring fairness in taxation across regions.
(iii) Land Measurement Reforms: Khalji introduced a new and precise land measurement system to assess cultivable land accurately. This reform minimized disputes over landholdings and ensured that taxes were levied correctly, reducing intermediaries’ manipulation opportunities.
(iv) Increased Revenue from Agriculture: He emphasized increased agricultural productivity by promoting high-yield crop cultivation. This focus on improving land efficiency meant more revenue for the state and less reliance on intermediaries for income generation.
(v) Regular Land Surveys: Khalji mandated regular land surveys to update records of landholdings and taxation. This approach ensured that all agricultural land was accounted for and minimized discrepancies caused by intermediary record-keeping practices.
Establishment of State Control over Agriculture
(i) Abolition of the Jagirdari System: Khalji abolished the “jagirdari” system, which had allowed nobles to collect taxes from land. By doing so, he centralized tax collection within the state and curtailed the power of local feudal lords.
(ii) Appointment of Efficient Muqtis: He appointed “Muqtis,” responsible for collecting revenue and maintaining law and order in their respective regions. This direct supervision reduced the power of local intermediaries and improved administrative efficiency.
(iii) Promotion of State Granaries: Khalji established state granaries to store surplus grain, which ensured stable food supplies and controlled grain prices. This measure diminished intermediaries’ influence over the grain market, providing direct benefits to farmers.
(iv) Direct Distribution Mechanisms: The state instituted mechanisms for the direct distribution of agricultural surpluses to stabilize prices. This initiative empowered farmers and reduced the intermediary’s role in agricultural trade and pricing.
(v) Support for Agricultural Innovation: Alauddin Khalji encouraged innovation in agriculture by providing incentives for farmers to adopt new agricultural techniques. This support fostered a sense of loyalty among farmers, reducing reliance on intermediaries for guidance and support.
Military and Economic Integration
(i) Military Recruitment from Peasantry: Khalji recruited soldiers directly from the peasantry, ensuring their loyalty to the state instead of local intermediaries. This policy strengthened the military and created a direct connection between farmers and the central authority.
(ii) Land Grants for Military Service: He awarded land to soldiers as a reward for service, thereby directly tying military power to agricultural production. This strategy consolidated the state’s control over land and reduced the influence of feudal lords.
(iii) Tax Incentives for Increased Production: Khalji implemented tax incentives for farmers who increased production. This policy not only promoted agricultural growth but also encouraged farmers to remain loyal to the state rather than relying on intermediaries for support.
(iv) Market Regulation and Price Control: Khalji enforced strict regulations on market prices for essential commodities, ensuring that prices remained fair for consumers and producers alike. This control reduced the ability of intermediaries to exploit price fluctuations.
(v) Banning Hoarding and Speculation: He banned hoarding and speculation in grain markets, which prevented intermediaries from manipulating grain supply and prices. This measure protected farmers from exploitation and stabilized the agricultural economy.
Conclusion
Alauddin Khalji’s agrarian policies effectively curtailed the powers of “intermediaries” through direct taxation, land reforms, and state control over agriculture. These measures enhanced state authority, improved agricultural productivity, and contributed significantly to economic stability.
