Which Sultan formally abolished the practice of Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive rolls of soldiers), leading to major administrative disorder?
Alauddin Khalji introduced the military practices of Dagh (horse branding) and Chehra (descriptive rolls) to prevent corruption. However, Muhammad bin Tughlaq formally abolished both systems, believing strict controls were unnecessary. Their removal created widespread corruption in the army, as soldiers easily presented inferior horses and fake identities, causing serious administrative disorder. ANSWER: (C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
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The practices of Dagh and Chehra introduced by Alauddin Khalji had ensured strong military discipline by preventing soldiers from submitting inferior horses or false identities. When Muhammad bin Tughlaq came to power, he abolished these measures in an attempt to appear generous and trusting toward his troops. However, this decision backfired badly. Without proper documentation or horse verification, corruption spread rapidly within the army. Soldiers replaced branded horses with weak ones, fake troop numbers increased and military efficiency collapsed. Contemporary chroniclers like Barani clearly note that Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s withdrawal of these reforms caused significant administrative and military disorder.