Write your opinion on Alauddin Khilji. (based on his administration, new systems, reforms)
Answers
HE ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS
Alauddin Khilji was a strong and efficient ruler. He set up a strong central government. He was the highest authority of the state and he believed in the history of divine right. The Sultan started considering himself a representative of God or “Shadow of God”. As a result, he restricted matrimonial relations among nobles and officers as well as he prohibited secret meetings and parties etc. He appointed spies to keep an eye on them and tried to confiscate their excess wealth. He prohibited wine and gambling and refrained himself from these activities. Alauddin Khilji prevented the interference of Ulemas in administration.
MILITARY REFORMS
Alauddin Khilji maintained a strong and huge standing army to safeguard his empire.
He introduced the system of branding of horses (dagh) and maintenance of descriptive register of soldiers to prevent false musters and corrupt practices.
Alauddin abolished the Jagir system and paid the salaries in cash.
He fixed the pay of soldiers at 234 tankas a year, with an additional 78 tankas for a soldier maintaining two horses.
Ariz-i-Mumalik was in charge of the appointment of soldiers.
REVENUE REFORMS
Alauddin Khilji introduced scientific method of measurement of land for the assessment of land revenue.
He imposed heavy taxes on the Sardars, Jagidars and Ulemas.
Jazia was imposed on non-Muslims. They had to pay it along with other taxes like pilgrim tax, octroi etc.
He increased the salaries of revenue officials to check bribery and corruption.
The post of a special officer called “Mustakhraj” was created to collect land revenue from peasants.
He took steps to safeguard the peasants from the demands of corrupt revenue officials by imposing strict punishments even for petty offences.