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Who introduced market regulations/price controls in Indian history?
Alauddin Khalji was the first Indian ruler to introduce a comprehensive system of market regulations and price controls. His reforms aimed to ensure stable prices of essential commodities, maintain a steady supply of goods, and prevent black-marketing. These measures were introduced mainly to supporRead more
Alauddin Khalji was the first Indian ruler to introduce a comprehensive system of market regulations and price controls. His reforms aimed to ensure stable prices of essential commodities, maintain a steady supply of goods, and prevent black-marketing. These measures were introduced mainly to support his massive standing army by providing affordable food and supplies. He set official prices for grains, cloth, slaves, horses, and other goods, and established special markets monitored by state-appointed officers called shahana-i-mandi. Severe punishments were imposed on violators. His system was highly effective and is considered one of the most advanced economic regulations of medieval India.
See lessWhich Sultan opposed the interference of the “ulama” in state affairs?
Alauddin Khalji firmly opposed the interference of the ulama—religious scholars—in state matters. He believed that governance should be based on political necessity rather than religious dictates. His strong and independent approach helped him maintain absolute royal authority. Alauddin openly stateRead more
Alauddin Khalji firmly opposed the interference of the ulama—religious scholars—in state matters. He believed that governance should be based on political necessity rather than religious dictates. His strong and independent approach helped him maintain absolute royal authority. Alauddin openly stated that the state’s laws (zawabit) could differ from religious laws (sharia) because a king’s primary duty was to ensure stability, security and prosperity. By limiting the influence of the ulama, he strengthened administrative efficiency and military reforms. This separation of religion from governance allowed him to implement bold policies, including revenue reforms and strict law-and-order measures.
See lessWhat topics are reviewed in the book “Kitab-ul-Hind” or “Tarikh-ul-Hind” written by Alberuni?
Alberuni’s famous work “Kitab-ul-Hind” is a comprehensive study of India written in the 11th century. The book covers a wide range of subjects including astronomy, philosophy, mathematics, religion, culture, social customs, geography and history. Alberuni travelled across India with Mahmud Ghaznavi’Read more
Alberuni’s famous work “Kitab-ul-Hind” is a comprehensive study of India written in the 11th century. The book covers a wide range of subjects including astronomy, philosophy, mathematics, religion, culture, social customs, geography and history. Alberuni travelled across India with Mahmud Ghaznavi’s army, learned Sanskrit, and directly interacted with Indian scholars. His work provides a scientific and objective analysis of Indian society and intellectual traditions. He compared Indian ideas with Greek and Islamic knowledge, making his book one of the earliest examples of cross-cultural study. “Kitab-ul-Hind” remains a valuable source of historical and cultural information about early medieval India.
See lessWhat was Alberuni’s full name? (A) Abu Raihan Muhammad (B) Ali Gurshasp (C) Abu Abdullah (D) None of these
Alberuni’s full name was Abu Raihan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni. Born in 973 CE in present-day Uzbekistan, he was one of the greatest scholars of medieval history. Alberuni excelled in multiple fields including mathematics, astronomy, physics, geography, anthropology and comparative religion. His cRead more
Alberuni’s full name was Abu Raihan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni. Born in 973 CE in present-day Uzbekistan, he was one of the greatest scholars of medieval history. Alberuni excelled in multiple fields including mathematics, astronomy, physics, geography, anthropology and comparative religion. His curiosity led him to study various cultures deeply. During Mahmud Ghaznavi’s rule, he travelled to India and learned Sanskrit to understand Indian texts. His most renowned work, “Kitab-ul-Hind,” reflects his analytical mind and objective approach. Alberuni’s contributions significantly enriched scientific and cultural knowledge across the Islamic and Indian worlds, making him an important global intellectual.
See lessAccording to Alberuni, the ‘Antyaj’ (class below the Chaturvarna) included:
In his 11th-century work Kitab-ul-Hind, the scholar Alberuni categorized the Antyaj as the lowest social groups, positioned beneath the four main Varnas. These individuals performed tasks considered impure by the higher castes. His list explicitly included both the occupations mentioned in Option ARead more
In his 11th-century work Kitab-ul-Hind, the scholar Alberuni categorized the Antyaj as the lowest social groups, positioned beneath the four main Varnas. These individuals performed tasks considered impure by the higher castes. His list explicitly included both the occupations mentioned in Option A (washermen, cobblers, magicians, and shield-makers) and Option B (sailors, fishermen, hunters, and weavers). Therefore, Alberuni’s comprehensive description of the Antyaj comprises all these groups.
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