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The 'Iqta' system in the Delhi Sultanate was first formally introduced by which ruler?
Qutub-ud-din Aibak
Iltutmish
Balban
Alauddin Khalji
Iltutmish
The Iqta system was a unique type of land distribution and administrative system introduced in the Delhi Sultanate by Shams-ud-din Iltutmish. Under this system, the empire was divided into tracts of land called Iqtas, which were assigned to nobles and military commanders in lieu of cash salaries.
The Iqta system was a unique type of land distribution and administrative system introduced in the Delhi Sultanate by Shams-ud-din Iltutmish. Under this system, the empire was divided into tracts of land called Iqtas, which were assigned to nobles and military commanders in lieu of cash salaries.
Delhi Sultanate Dynasty Timeline: Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty (1206-1290 CE), under which Iltutmish consolidated administrative structures from 1210 to 1236 CE.
Iltutmish was the first ruler to formally institutionalize the Iqta system in the Delhi Sultanate.
The holders of these land grants were known as Iqtadars or Muqtis, responsible for collecting revenue and maintaining troops.
Alauddin Khalji later centralized the system by bringing Iqtas under direct imperial control and fixing revenue rates.
Option A (Qutub-ud-din Aibak) laid the foundation of the Sultanate but did not formalize the Iqta system.
Option B (Iltutmish) is correct as he organized the financial and military administration through formal Iqtas.
Option C (Balban) focused on strengthening the crown's prestige and curbing the power of the Chahalgani rather than introducing Iqtas.
Option D (Alauddin Khalji) reformed and tightened control over existing Iqtas to curb the power of nobles.
B is correct тАФ Shams-ud-din Iltutmish formally introduced and institutionalized the Iqta system during his reign in the Delhi Sultanate.
Compare the Iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate with the Mansabdari system introduced by Akbar during the Mughal Empire to understand the evolution of land revenue and military administration in medieval India.