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In the Delhi Sultanate, what was the title of the administrative head of an 'iqta'?
Muqti
Wazir
Bakshi
Kotwal
Muqti
In the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate, the empire was divided into large provinces called iqtas. The administrative head and military commander of an iqta was designated as the Muqti or Wali, responsible for maintaining law, order, and collecting land revenue.
In the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate, the empire was divided into large provinces called iqtas. The administrative head and military commander of an iqta was designated as the Muqti or Wali, responsible for maintaining law, order, and collecting land revenue.
Delhi Sultanate Administration (1206-1526 CE), specifically the provincial administration under the Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties.
Iqtas were revenue-grant territories assigned to nobles and military commanders in lieu of cash salaries.
The Muqti was required to maintain troops and submit surplus revenue to the central royal treasury.
During the reign of Alauddin Khilji and later the Tughlaqs, strict central control was imposed on the Muqtis to curb regional autonomy.
Option B is incorrect because the Wazir was the prime minister and head of the financial department (Diwan-i-Wizarat) at the central level.
Option C is incorrect because the Bakshi (Mir Bakshi) was the military paymaster general, a term more prominently used in the later Mughal administration.
Option D is incorrect because the Kotwal was the chief police officer and magistrate responsible for maintaining law and order in towns and cities.
A is correct тАФ The administrative head of an iqta during the Delhi Sultanate was known as the Muqti or Wali.
Compare the Delhi Sultanate Iqta system with the Mughal Mansabdari and Jagirdari systems, as exams frequently test the evolution of land revenue and administrative units across these periods.