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Which Sultan introduced the practice of paying soldiers in cash instead of land grants? (A) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (B) Alauddin Khalji (C) Iltutmish (D) Balban
Alauddin Khalji implemented fiscal-military reforms designed to professionalise and centralise the armed forces. He reduced reliance on land grants (iqta) as soldier pay and instead instituted cash payments to troops. Cash salaries strengthened the immediate loyalty of soldiers to the Sultan (ratherRead more
Alauddin Khalji implemented fiscal-military reforms designed to professionalise and centralise the armed forces. He reduced reliance on land grants (iqta) as soldier pay and instead instituted cash payments to troops. Cash salaries strengthened the immediate loyalty of soldiers to the Sultan (rather than to local landholders), simplified logistics of troop maintenance and helped sustain a standing army more responsive to central commands. This policy underpinned his ability to field disciplined armies and enforce internal order, aligning military interests closely with state fiscal policy.
See lessWho introduced the practice of “Daag” (marking on horses) and “Huliya” (soldier’s identification mark) in the field of military administration?
As part of his military reforms, Alauddin Khalji enforced detailed identification systems: Daag (branding or marking horses) and Huliya (distinctive marks or documents for soldiers). These measures ensured the Sultanate could track mounts and men, discourage theft, prevent imposture and maintain anRead more
As part of his military reforms, Alauddin Khalji enforced detailed identification systems: Daag (branding or marking horses) and Huliya (distinctive marks or documents for soldiers). These measures ensured the Sultanate could track mounts and men, discourage theft, prevent imposture and maintain an organised, loyal force. By formalising identification and inspection, Alauddin reduced corruption and enhanced logistical control — key to creating the more permanent standing forces required by his defensive and expansionist policies.
See lessWhich Sultan established a new ministry, the “Diwan-i-Riyasat” (Ministry of Commerce)?
Sultan Alauddin Khalji established the new ministry, the Diwan-i-Riyasat, to centrally control the economy and enforce his stringent price control policy. This department supervised all commerce and trade, working with officers like the Shahna-i-Mandi to regulate supplies and enforce fixed prices (ZRead more
Sultan Alauddin Khalji established the new ministry, the Diwan-i-Riyasat, to centrally control the economy and enforce his stringent price control policy. This department supervised all commerce and trade, working with officers like the Shahna-i-Mandi to regulate supplies and enforce fixed prices (Zabitas) for all commodities, including grain and cloth. The ultimate goal of this highly effective, centralized administrative body was to drastically lower the cost of living, thereby enabling Alauddin to maintain a massive permanent standing army on lower wages.
See lessWho issued the “Four Ordinances”—confiscation, establishment of a spy system, prohibition of alcohol in Delhi and restrictions on the social gatherings of nobles?
To consolidate authority and prevent conspiracies, Alauddin Khalji introduced severe administrative and social regulations often grouped as a set of ordinances: confiscations of rebellious nobles’ property, an extensive spy network to monitor officials and marketplaces, bans on alcohol in Delhi to rRead more
To consolidate authority and prevent conspiracies, Alauddin Khalji introduced severe administrative and social regulations often grouped as a set of ordinances: confiscations of rebellious nobles’ property, an extensive spy network to monitor officials and marketplaces, bans on alcohol in Delhi to reduce public disorder and restrictions on nobles’ private gatherings to limit political collusion. These measures formed a comprehensive program to curb aristocratic autonomy, ensure loyalty and maintain public order — part of Alauddin’s broader strategy of centralising state control and ensuring a dependable revenue and military base.
See lessAt whose behest did Alauddin Khalji abandon his plan to conquer the world like Alexander the Great?
Sultan Alauddin Khalji, who adopted the title Sikandar-i-Sani (Second Alexander), abandoned his ambitious plan for world conquest based on the sage counsel of his uncle and advisor, Alaul Mulk. Alaul Mulk, the Kotwal of Delhi, advised the Sultan that before attempting world dominion, he must first fRead more
Sultan Alauddin Khalji, who adopted the title Sikandar-i-Sani (Second Alexander), abandoned his ambitious plan for world conquest based on the sage counsel of his uncle and advisor, Alaul Mulk. Alaul Mulk, the Kotwal of Delhi, advised the Sultan that before attempting world dominion, he must first fully conquer and consolidate all of India and secure the empire’s borders from the fierce Mongol invasions. Alauddin accepted this pragmatic advice, choosing to focus on state necessity over personal ambition.
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