Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi from 1296 to 1316, is remembered for his significant reforms that transformed the administration, economy, and military structure of the Delhi Sultanate. His reign marked a period of political consolidation and economic restructuring, as he sought to strengthen his authority and control over his vast empire.
Salient Reforms of Alauddin Khilji:
- Standing Army: Alauddin Khilji established a large standing army that was paid regularly in cash, instead of the traditional system of paying soldiers through land grants. This ensured loyalty and discipline among the troops.
- Centralized Military Command: He introduced a system of spies and military intelligence, which helped him maintain control over his army and detect internal threats. He also established the Daag (branding of horses) and Chehra (a system of registration for soldiers) to ensure that only efficient soldiers and well-maintained horses were in the army.
- Price Control: Alauddin introduced strict price control measures for essential commodities like grains, sugar, and cloth. The state fixed the prices to prevent market manipulation by traders. He also set up market inspectors to ensure that traders complied with these fixed prices.
- State Monopoly on Goods: The state also monopolized the sale of certain goods, such as food grains, to regulate supply and prevent inflation during times of scarcity.
- Land Revenue System: Alauddin Khilji reformed the land revenue system, standardizing land taxes and collecting them in cash. He increased taxes in the conquered territories but also ensured efficient revenue collection through a centralized administration.
- Improved Agrarian Economy: The reforms encouraged agricultural production by providing stability to the agrarian economy and limiting the power of local landlords.
- Centralized Governance: Alauddin Khilji strengthened the central administration by reducing the power of local rulers and increasing the control of the central government over military and economic matters.
- Land Grants Abolished: He abolished the practice of granting land to nobles, ensuring that revenue from land remained in the hands of the state and preventing the emergence of powerful feudal lords.
- Alauddin Khilji undertook the construction of roads, fortifications, and canals for improving communication, trade, and agricultural productivity. The famous Alai Darwaza at the Qutub Minar complex is one of the significant architectural legacies of his reign.
In conclusion, the reforms of Alauddin Khilji were aimed at centralizing power, stabilizing the economy, and strengthening the military. His emphasis on price control, taxation reforms, and military efficiency helped in consolidating his empire, although his authoritarian approach also made him a controversial figure in history. His reign had a lasting impact on the Delhi Sultanate, shaping its future governance and economic policies.
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