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  1. In the administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate, the Chaudhary held a central position in rural governance. As the head of a group of villages, he played a vital role in assessing and collecting land revenue, ensuring that peasants fulfilled their obligations to the state. The Chaudhary alsoRead more

    In the administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate, the Chaudhary held a central position in rural governance. As the head of a group of villages, he played a vital role in assessing and collecting land revenue, ensuring that peasants fulfilled their obligations to the state. The Chaudhary also coordinated agricultural activities, maintained local records, oversaw community disputes and supported law and order. His influence extended beyond administration into social leadership, often representing village interests before the Sultanate’s higher officials. Because of his wide responsibilities and close contact with rural society, he became the most reliable and crucial revenue officer in village administration.

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  2. Timur’s invasion of India in 1398 left the Delhi Sultanate shattered. The Tughlaq dynasty, already struggling with rebellions and administrative weakness, collapsed soon after. In this political vacuum, Khizr Khan, a noble who had assisted Timur during the invasion, emerged as the new power-holder.Read more

    Timur’s invasion of India in 1398 left the Delhi Sultanate shattered. The Tughlaq dynasty, already struggling with rebellions and administrative weakness, collapsed soon after. In this political vacuum, Khizr Khan, a noble who had assisted Timur during the invasion, emerged as the new power-holder. In 1414, he established the Sayyid dynasty, ruling initially as Timur’s vassal while gradually asserting regional independence. The Sayyids, though relatively weak, stabilised Delhi to some extent after decades of turmoil. Their rule lasted until 1451, when Bahlol Lodi overthrew them and founded the Lodi dynasty, marking another transitional phase in Sultanate history.

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  3. Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s reign witnessed an unprecedented rise in slave numbers within the Delhi Sultanate. Chroniclers note that he kept nearly 1,80,000 slaves, acquired through wars, tribute and purchase. These slaves were employed in diverse sectors, including agriculture, irrigation projects, publicRead more

    Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s reign witnessed an unprecedented rise in slave numbers within the Delhi Sultanate. Chroniclers note that he kept nearly 1,80,000 slaves, acquired through wars, tribute and purchase. These slaves were employed in diverse sectors, including agriculture, irrigation projects, public works, workshops and palace service. Firoz considered slavery a means to maintain social order and administrative efficiency. He also formed a specialised slave-bureau (Diwan-i-Bandagan) to supervise their welfare, training and discipline. Although this system strengthened his rule, it created long-term dependency on forced labour and reflected the deeply hierarchical nature of governance during his era.

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  4. Firoz Shah Tughlaq is remembered for implementing several welfare measures, one of which was providing systematic employment to the unemployed. He initiated massive developmental projects: construction of canals, mosques, madrasas, gardens, rest houses, bridges and new towns. These undertakings requRead more

    Firoz Shah Tughlaq is remembered for implementing several welfare measures, one of which was providing systematic employment to the unemployed. He initiated massive developmental projects: construction of canals, mosques, madrasas, gardens, rest houses, bridges and new towns. These undertakings required large labour forces and Firoz purposefully recruited people lacking work. He believed the state should support its subjects by offering livelihood opportunities, thereby reducing social unrest. He also established workshops (karkhanas) where artisans, craftsmen and labourers were employed. This policy not only strengthened the Sultanate’s economic infrastructure but also contributed to maintaining public order and administrative goodwill.

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  5. The Sultan responsible for improving fruit quality was Firoz Shah Tughlaq (reigned 1351–1388). He achieved this through an extensive program of public works and administrative reforms. Specifically, he established more than 1,200 gardens in and around Delhi. These royal gardens were dedicated to theRead more

    The Sultan responsible for improving fruit quality was Firoz Shah Tughlaq (reigned 1351–1388). He achieved this through an extensive program of public works and administrative reforms. Specifically, he established more than 1,200 gardens in and around Delhi. These royal gardens were dedicated to the careful cultivation and research of various fruit species, dramatically enhancing their yield and quality. This focus on horticulture highlights his unique contribution to agricultural improvement, with grapes being a particularly prized fruit during his era.

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