Question

Examine the Market reforms of Alauddin Khalji.

Answer 1

The most unique measure of Alauddin was his decision to regulate market prices of essential commodities such as grain, bread, sugar, cattle, cloth, horses and slaves. He set up three mandis in Delhi where merchants traded in fixed prices. All merchants had to register themselves with the shahana-i-mandi(superintendent of markets). A shopkeeper cheating his customer in weight had to compensate the loss by cutting off equal amount of flesh from his body. though, undoubtedly, his measures were novel in nature these were unpopular among peasants and merchants.

Answer 2

1. The prices of all commodities were fixed and prices of essential items were kept low.
2. Market officers were appointed to keep a strict watch on the prices, weights and the activities of the traders.