Que. What measures were initiated by the Sultans for the consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate? Discuss.
दिल्ली सल्तनत के सुदृढ़ीकरण के लिए सुल्तानों ने किन-किन उपायों की पहल की थी? विवेचना कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Briefly introduce the key focus of consolidation measures by the Delhi Sultans to secure and strengthen their rule.
(ii) Main Body: Discuss the “administrative, military, economic, and territorial” measures initiated by various Sultans to consolidate the Delhi Sultanate’s authority.
(iii) Conclusion: Summarize the lasting impact of these consolidation efforts on the political stability and growth of the Delhi Sultanate.
Introduction
The “Delhi Sultans” initiated various administrative, military, and economic measures to consolidate their fragile rule in a politically fragmented India, strengthening the Sultanate amidst regional and external threats.
Administrative Measures for Consolidation
(i) Iqta System: The introduction of the “Iqta system” allowed for revenue collection and land management, ensuring loyalty from local officials and enhancing centralized control over provincial governance.
(ii) Centralized Bureaucracy: Sultans established a structured administrative framework with departments like the “Diwan-i-Arz” for military matters and the “Diwan-i-Risalat” for foreign affairs, ensuring efficient governance.
(iii) Judicial Reforms: Sultans like “Iltutmish” introduced judicial reforms, establishing “Qazi” courts, enforcing “Sharia” law, and creating a uniform justice system that reinforced state control over legal issues.
(iv) Provincial Governance: The appointment of governors (“Amirs”) in key provinces allowed for tighter control over regional affairs, reducing the potential for rebellion and ensuring loyalty to the Sultanate.
(v) Standardization of Currency: “Iltutmish” issued a standardized currency, the “Tanka,” to promote trade, improve tax collection, and stabilize the economic authority of the central government across the empire.
Military Measures for Consolidation
(i) Standing Army: Sultans like “Alauddin Khalji” expanded and maintained a large standing army, allowing for the swift suppression of internal uprisings and defense against external invasions like the “Mongols.”
(ii) Fortification of Cities: Strategic cities like “Delhi” and “Ajmer” were fortified with walls and garrisons, ensuring they became military strongholds that could resist external invasions and internal rebellions.
(iii) Military Reforms: Reforms like the “Dagh” system (branding of horses) and “Chehra” (soldier descriptions) under “Alauddin Khalji” improved military discipline and ensured loyalty among the troops.
(iv) Slave Army (Mamluks): The recruitment of slave soldiers, particularly by early Sultans like “Qutbuddin Aibak,” created a highly loyal and effective military force that became central to the Sultanate’s defense.
(v) Defensive Campaigns: “Alauddin Khalji’s” effective military campaigns against the “Mongols” and other regional threats solidified the Sultanate’s borders, securing the empire’s northern and western frontiers.
Economic Measures for Consolidation
(i) Land Revenue Reforms: “Alauddin Khalji” introduced land revenue reforms, fixing the state’s share of agricultural produce at 50%, ensuring a steady income for the Sultanate and preventing exploitation by officials.
(ii) Market Regulation: The market reforms of “Alauddin Khalji” controlled the prices of essential goods like grains and textiles, ensuring affordability for citizens and preventing market manipulation by traders.
(iii) Trade Expansion: The Sultans promoted trade with the “Middle East” and “Central Asia,” strengthening the economic base of the empire and increasing tax revenues through tariffs on imported goods.
(iv) Development of Infrastructure: Public works like canals and roads, particularly under “Muhammad bin Tughlaq,” facilitated trade and communication, contributing to economic growth and the integration of different regions.
(v) Monetary Innovations: “Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s” introduction of token currency aimed to simplify trade and taxation, though its failure highlighted the risks of overambitious economic reforms in the Sultanate.
Territorial Measures for Consolidation
(i) Military Campaigns: Sultans like “Alauddin Khalji” and “Muhammad bin Tughlaq” expanded the empire through military campaigns into the “Deccan” and other regions, consolidating control over larger territories.
(ii) Repression of Rebellions: The suppression of rebellions in key regions such as “Rajputana” and “Punjab” helped maintain internal stability, preventing the rise of autonomous local rulers challenging the Sultanate’s authority.
(iii) Alliances and Marriages: Diplomatic alliances, including marriage alliances with local rulers, helped reduce hostilities and integrated regional powers into the Sultanate’s broader political structure.
(iv) Settlement of Nobles: Turkic and Afghan nobles were settled in newly conquered territories, ensuring the Sultan’s direct control over these regions and reducing the threat of local revolts.
(v) Strategic Forts: Forts built in important territories, like “Chittor” and “Ranthambore,” acted as military bases to defend newly acquired lands and served as symbols of Sultanate authority.
Conclusion
The Delhi Sultans’ consolidation strategies, encompassing “administrative, military, economic, and territorial” measures, played a critical role in stabilizing the Sultanate and extending its influence across northern India, ensuring its survival for over three centuries.
