Understanding Delhi under the Sultans

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of the 'circle of justice' in the context of governance under the Delhi Sultans?

It suggests that soldiers should exclusively rely on their own resources.

It emphasizes the king's authority over military matters.

It highlights the interdependence between the king and his subjects. (correct)

It illustrates the concept of monarchy without the need for justice.

What role did historians play during the Delhi Sultanate according to the provided information?

They advised rulers on governance and authored histories to gain rewards. (correct)

They lived in the villages and focused on agriculture.

They mostly documented peasant life and their struggles.

They only recorded military events and conquests.

According to Fakhr-i Mudabbir, what is essential for a king's survival?

Territorial expansion and power.

Having an unchallenged military.

A prosperous and happy peasantry. (correct)

Support from foreign allies.

What was a common belief about the rights to govern during the Delhi Sultanate?

Nobles inherited their rights based on birth. Signup and view all the answers

What notable occurrence regarding gender took place during the Sultanate period?

Sultan Iltutmish’s daughter became Sultan. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason for the Sultans' preference for promoting slaves over sons?

Slaves were perceived to be more loyal. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did raising people of humble birth to high positions have on the political system?

It introduced instability into the political landscape. Signup and view all the answers

How did the elite perceive the actions of the Delhi Sultans in appointing individuals from humble backgrounds?

They criticized it as a sign of poor governance. Signup and view all the answers

What was Ziyauddin Barani's perspective on Sultan Muhammad Tughluq's appointments?

He interpreted them as evidence of the Sultan's declining judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What was one potential downside of the loyalty exhibited by slaves and clients towards their masters?

It created conflict with the heirs of the Sultans. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main responsibility of the military commanders appointed by the Sultans?

To lead military campaigns and maintain law and order Signup and view all the answers

Which tax was specifically levied on cultivation during the reign of the Delhi Sultans?

Land revenue, amounting to about 50% of the peasant's produce Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Alauddin Khalji's policies on local chieftains?

They were forced to relinquish their rights to levy taxes Signup and view all the answers

Which dynasties ruled after the Tughluqs?

Sayyid and Lodi Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for monitoring the revenue collected by tax collectors?

Accountants appointed by the state Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant contribution of the Tughluq dynasty to administration?

Borrowing elements from Alauddin Khalji Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the control over assigned lands by the Khalji and Tughluq monarchs?

Control was short-term and non-inheritable Signup and view all the answers

What was the administrative language under the Tughluqs?

Persian Signup and view all the answers

What aspect did military commanders need to consider according to the 'circle of justice'?

The welfare of the peasantry Signup and view all the answers

Which new ruling groups emerged during the period following the Tughluqs?

Afghans and Rajputs Signup and view all the answers

What was Minhaj-us-Siraj's opinion on women's rule?

He thought women's rule contradicted the social order. Signup and view all the answers

How did Raziyya Sultan identify herself in her inscriptions?

As the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish. Signup and view all the answers

How did Rudramadevi present herself in contrast to Raziyya?

She disguised herself as a man. Signup and view all the answers

What was the title 'Didda' most likely derived from?

An affectionate term for elder sister. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of governors did early Delhi Sultans prefer?

They were special slaves purchased for military service. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major reason for trusting the special slaves as governors?

They were loyal and depended on their master. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it challenging for women to be rulers, according to the context?

Society expected women to be submissive. Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate?

The appointment of trustworthy governors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Delhi Sultans: Administration and Governance

Histories were recorded in Persian, the administrative language during the Delhi Sultanate.
Authors of these histories were educated figures: secretaries, poets, and advisors.
The "circle of justice" illustrates the interdependent relationship between the king and subjects for effective governance.
Fakhr-i Mudabbir emphasized that kings rely on soldiers, who depend on peasants’ prosperity through just rule.
Birthright privileges were significant; nobles claimed their right to govern based on lineage.
Iltutmish’s daughter, Raziyya, challenged gender norms by becoming Sultan, but faced resistance due to prevailing societal beliefs.

Gender and Power

Minhaj-us-Siraj highlighted that elevating a female ruler like Raziyya contradicted the divine social order.
Raziyya claimed her position as Sultan through lineage, unlike Rudramadevi, who disguised herself as a man to rule.
Didda, another significant queen, held power in Kashmir with a title denoting affection from her subjects.

Governance Practices

Early Sultans, particularly Iltutmish, preferred loyal slaves as governors instead of aristocrats to ensure control.
Loyalty of slaves stemmed from their dependence on the Sultan, fostering stability in governance.
Khalji and Tughluq Sultans further appointed individuals from humble backgrounds, causing political tension with aristocrats.
Appointment of low-status individuals to high offices (e.g., Aziz Khummar, Firuz Hajjam) garnered criticism from contemporaries like Ziyauddin Barani for perceived poor judgment.

Taxation and Revenue

Revenue collection played a crucial role in the Sultanate's administration with tax types including Khums, Zakat, and Jizyah.
Land revenue was assessed thoroughly, with a standard rate around 50% of the peasant's produce.
Local chieftains lost their tax-levying rights under Alauddin Khalji, with the state assuming control over land revenue.

Historical Context

Post-Tughluq, independent regional powers emerged in Bengal, Malwa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and southern India.
The administration influences during the Delhi Sultanate were later seen in the governance models of the Mughal Empire, particularly by Akbar.
Authors of histories often focused on elite perspectives rather than ordinary people's lives, reflecting the prevailing hierarchies of the time.

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Description

This quiz explores the historical dynamics of Delhi during the Sultanate era. It covers significant roles played by Persian intellectuals, poets, and administrators in the administration. Test your knowledge on the governance and literary contributions of this period.