The 'Gajj-e-Sikandari' was a standardized unit of land measurement introduced by Sikandar Lodi (r. 1489–1517), the second ruler of the Lodi dynasty. Replacing earlier, inconsistent methods, this Gajj measured 32 digits and served as the foundation for land revenue assessment across the Sultanate's tRead more
The ‘Gajj-e-Sikandari’ was a standardized unit of land measurement introduced by Sikandar Lodi (r. 1489–1517), the second ruler of the Lodi dynasty. Replacing earlier, inconsistent methods, this Gajj measured 32 digits and served as the foundation for land revenue assessment across the Sultanate’s territories. Its introduction was a major administrative reform aimed at improving the accuracy of land records and tax collection. The ‘Gajj-e-Sikandari’ continued to be utilized widely until Akbar’s reign, underscoring its historical importance.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq established a range of charitable institutions; Dar-ul-Shafa specifically refers to a charitable hospital — a public medical facility or infirmary meant to care for the sick and needy. This institution formed part of Firoz Shah’s broader program of social welfare (including almshoRead more
Firoz Shah Tughlaq established a range of charitable institutions; Dar-ul-Shafa specifically refers to a charitable hospital — a public medical facility or infirmary meant to care for the sick and needy. This institution formed part of Firoz Shah’s broader program of social welfare (including almshouses, hospitals, canals and public granaries), which his chronicles emphasise. Dar-ul-Shafa symbolised the ruler’s role as patron of public health and a pious benefactor providing welfare services to subjects.
As an active builder and sponsor of irrigation works, Firoz Shah Tughlaq repaired and constructed canals and established administrative structures to fund and maintain them. To finance these irrigation projects and their upkeep, he instituted the Haq-i-Sharb (also called Hasil-e-Sharb) — essentiallyRead more
As an active builder and sponsor of irrigation works, Firoz Shah Tughlaq repaired and constructed canals and established administrative structures to fund and maintain them. To finance these irrigation projects and their upkeep, he instituted the Haq-i-Sharb (also called Hasil-e-Sharb) — essentially a water or irrigation tax on lands benefiting from state-provided irrigation. This levy linked usage of state irrigation infrastructure to maintenance costs and became part of his fiscal framework for supporting public-works investment and agricultural improvement.
The small autobiographical compendium Futuhat-e-Firozshahi is attributed to Firoz Shah Tughlaq and documents his reforms, public works and policies in a self-representational form. While not as lengthy or literary as some chronicles, it offers direct insight into how Firoz Shah wished to be rememberRead more
The small autobiographical compendium Futuhat-e-Firozshahi is attributed to Firoz Shah Tughlaq and documents his reforms, public works and policies in a self-representational form. While not as lengthy or literary as some chronicles, it offers direct insight into how Firoz Shah wished to be remembered: as a builder, reformer and pious ruler. Historians consult this text (and contemporary chronicles that cover his reign) to reconstruct his administrative measures, patronage and the narrative he promoted about his rule.
To manage state finances and administration, Firoz Shah Tughlaq implemented reforms altering how salaries and maintenance payments were handled. Instead of cash salaries, he often authorised officials and soldiers to collect revenues directly via wazeh (a right to collect land tax) or to obtain paymRead more
To manage state finances and administration, Firoz Shah Tughlaq implemented reforms altering how salaries and maintenance payments were handled. Instead of cash salaries, he often authorised officials and soldiers to collect revenues directly via wazeh (a right to collect land tax) or to obtain payments through itlaq (official payment orders). These mechanisms reduced administrative burdens on the central treasury, tied pay to land revenue flows and delegated collection responsibilities — a pragmatic approach to maintaining an army and bureaucracy within financial constraints.
Who introduced the land measurement scale called ‘Gajj-e-Sikandari’?
The 'Gajj-e-Sikandari' was a standardized unit of land measurement introduced by Sikandar Lodi (r. 1489–1517), the second ruler of the Lodi dynasty. Replacing earlier, inconsistent methods, this Gajj measured 32 digits and served as the foundation for land revenue assessment across the Sultanate's tRead more
The ‘Gajj-e-Sikandari’ was a standardized unit of land measurement introduced by Sikandar Lodi (r. 1489–1517), the second ruler of the Lodi dynasty. Replacing earlier, inconsistent methods, this Gajj measured 32 digits and served as the foundation for land revenue assessment across the Sultanate’s territories. Its introduction was a major administrative reform aimed at improving the accuracy of land records and tax collection. The ‘Gajj-e-Sikandari’ continued to be utilized widely until Akbar’s reign, underscoring its historical importance.
See lessWhat was the Dar-ul-Shafa established by Firoz Tughlaq? (A) An almshouse (B) A library (C) A guesthouse for pilgrims (D) A charitable hospital
Firoz Shah Tughlaq established a range of charitable institutions; Dar-ul-Shafa specifically refers to a charitable hospital — a public medical facility or infirmary meant to care for the sick and needy. This institution formed part of Firoz Shah’s broader program of social welfare (including almshoRead more
Firoz Shah Tughlaq established a range of charitable institutions; Dar-ul-Shafa specifically refers to a charitable hospital — a public medical facility or infirmary meant to care for the sick and needy. This institution formed part of Firoz Shah’s broader program of social welfare (including almshouses, hospitals, canals and public granaries), which his chronicles emphasise. Dar-ul-Shafa symbolised the ruler’s role as patron of public health and a pious benefactor providing welfare services to subjects.
See lessWhich Sultan imposed a new tax called ‘Hasil-e-Sharb’/’Haq-e-Sharb’ (irrigation tax)?
As an active builder and sponsor of irrigation works, Firoz Shah Tughlaq repaired and constructed canals and established administrative structures to fund and maintain them. To finance these irrigation projects and their upkeep, he instituted the Haq-i-Sharb (also called Hasil-e-Sharb) — essentiallyRead more
As an active builder and sponsor of irrigation works, Firoz Shah Tughlaq repaired and constructed canals and established administrative structures to fund and maintain them. To finance these irrigation projects and their upkeep, he instituted the Haq-i-Sharb (also called Hasil-e-Sharb) — essentially a water or irrigation tax on lands benefiting from state-provided irrigation. This levy linked usage of state irrigation infrastructure to maintenance costs and became part of his fiscal framework for supporting public-works investment and agricultural improvement.
See lessWhich Sultan wrote his autobiography (Futuhat-e-Firozshahi)?
The small autobiographical compendium Futuhat-e-Firozshahi is attributed to Firoz Shah Tughlaq and documents his reforms, public works and policies in a self-representational form. While not as lengthy or literary as some chronicles, it offers direct insight into how Firoz Shah wished to be rememberRead more
The small autobiographical compendium Futuhat-e-Firozshahi is attributed to Firoz Shah Tughlaq and documents his reforms, public works and policies in a self-representational form. While not as lengthy or literary as some chronicles, it offers direct insight into how Firoz Shah wished to be remembered: as a builder, reformer and pious ruler. Historians consult this text (and contemporary chronicles that cover his reign) to reconstruct his administrative measures, patronage and the narrative he promoted about his rule.
See lessWho among the following abolished the system of paying salaries to the army in cash and ordered payment through ‘wazeh’ (right to collect land tax) or ‘itlaq’ (letter for money order)?
To manage state finances and administration, Firoz Shah Tughlaq implemented reforms altering how salaries and maintenance payments were handled. Instead of cash salaries, he often authorised officials and soldiers to collect revenues directly via wazeh (a right to collect land tax) or to obtain paymRead more
To manage state finances and administration, Firoz Shah Tughlaq implemented reforms altering how salaries and maintenance payments were handled. Instead of cash salaries, he often authorised officials and soldiers to collect revenues directly via wazeh (a right to collect land tax) or to obtain payments through itlaq (official payment orders). These mechanisms reduced administrative burdens on the central treasury, tied pay to land revenue flows and delegated collection responsibilities — a pragmatic approach to maintaining an army and bureaucracy within financial constraints.
See less