PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2023
Answer
Alauddin Khalji
Explanation
Alauddin Khalji, the powerful ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, is renowned for his strict market and price control policies. He banned the hoarding of essential commodities and fixed the prices of goods. This economic measure was introduced to maintain a massive standing army at a low cost, allowing soldiers to live comfortably on a fixed salary.
Key Points
- > Alauddin Khalji is famous for his market control mechanism.
- > He appointed an officer called 'Shahna-i-Mandi' to control the markets.
- > He introduced the systems of 'Dagh' (branding of horses) and 'Huliya' (descriptive roll of soldiers).
- > His primary motive for price control was to sustain a large army cheaply.
- > Iltutmish is known for the 'Iqta' system and forming the 'Chalisa' (group of 40 nobles).
- > Balban introduced Persian customs like 'Sijda' and 'Paibos'.
- > Firoz Shah Tughlaq is known for building canals and public works.
Additional Information
Key Reforms of Delhi Sultans
| Sultan | Key Reform/Contribution |
|---|---|
| Iltutmish | Iqta system, Silver 'Tanka' |
| Balban | Blood and Iron policy, Sijda |
| Alauddin Khalji | Market control, Anti-hoarding, Dagh & Huliya |
| M. Bin Tughlaq | Token currency, Capital shift |
Memory Tips
- Alauddin the Economist: Alauddin Khalji was the only Delhi Sultan to implement comprehensive economic and price control reforms.