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.