Consider the following statements regarding Sultan Alauddin Khalji: 1. Alauddin Khalji fixed the prices of grain. 2. Alauddin Khalji was the first Sultan to pay his soldiers in cash. 3. During Alauddin Khalji’s reign, the share of land revenue paid by farmers was increased to half of the crop. Which of these statements are correct?
All three statements are correct. Alauddin Khalji fixed the prices of grains and essential commodities to make soldier salaries effective. He introduced cash payments to soldiers, eliminating dependence on jagir officials. He also increased land revenue assessment to half the produce to strengthen state income. These reforms helped centralize the Sultanate and strengthen his control over the economy. ANSWER: (D) All true
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Alauddin Khalji implemented wide-ranging economic and military reforms to strengthen the Sultanate. He fixed prices of essential commodities such as grains, textiles and daily goods to prevent inflation and reduce the cost of maintaining a large standing army. He was the first Delhi Sultan to introduce direct cash payments to soldiers, ensuring loyalty and eliminating irregularities associated with jagir assignments. Furthermore, he increased the land revenue share to approximately half of the agricultural produce, significantly boosting the state’s fiscal resources. Together, these measures enhanced central authority, stabilized the economy and facilitated the maintenance of a powerful military machine.