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Who among the following Sultans of the Khilji dynasty started giving cash salary to his soldiers and controlled the market during his reign?
Shihab-ud-din Omar
Alauddin Khilji
Jalal-ud-din Khilji
Qutb-ud-din Mubarak
Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji implemented extensive market reforms to maintain a large standing army at low costs, introducing cash salaries and price controls on essential commodities. He established three distinct markets in Delhi: one for food grains, one for cloth and expensive goods, and one for horses, slaves, and cattle.
Alauddin Khilji implemented extensive market reforms to maintain a large standing army at low costs, introducing cash salaries and price controls on essential commodities. He established three distinct markets in Delhi: one for food grains, one for cloth and expensive goods, and one for horses, slaves, and cattle.
The Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320 AD) was the second dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, following the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty.
Alauddin Khilji was the first Sultan of Delhi to pay his soldiers in cash rather than through the Iqta system.
He appointed officers known as Shahna-i-Mandi to oversee market transactions and enforce fixed prices.
The market control system was primarily designed to support his massive army required to repel Mongol invasions.
Diwan-i-Riyasat was the department established to monitor commercial activities.
To ensure adequate supply, he forced peasants to sell grain to state-approved merchants at fixed rates.
He introduced the Dagh system (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive roll of soldiers) to reduce corruption in the military.
Jalal-ud-din Khilji was the founder of the dynasty and the predecessor of Alauddin, known for his policy of benevolence.
Qutb-ud-din Mubarak was the last ruler of the Khilji dynasty, known for his eccentric behavior and lack of focus on military reforms.
B is correct тАФ Alauddin Khilji introduced cash salaries and rigorous market regulations to sustain a strong military presence.
When studying Delhi Sultanate reforms, compare Alauddin's market control (economic) with Muhammad bin Tughlaq's failed token currency experiment (monetary) to understand the evolution of state financial control.