The administration under the Delhi Sultanate was complex and multifaceted, reflecting the diverse needs of a vast and diverse empire. The Sultanate, which ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent from the late 12th century to the early 16th century, had a well-organized administrative structure with distinct central and local components
1. Central Administration
a. The Sultan
- Role: The Sultan was the supreme ruler and held absolute authority over the empire. He was the central figure in the administration, responsible for making major policy decisions, overseeing military campaigns, and managing state affairs.
- Functions: The Sultan issued royal decrees (farman) and had the final say in matters of law, administration, and revenue.
b. The Central Departments
- Diwan-i-Wizarat (Ministry of Finance):
- Role: Managed the financial affairs of the state, including revenue collection, expenditure, and state treasury.
- Function: Responsible for budgeting, accounting, and financial administration. The head of this department was known as the Wazir or Prime Minister.
- Diwan-i-Ariz (Department of Military Affairs):
- Role: Oversaw military administration and logistics.
- Function: Managed recruitment, training, and provisioning of the army. The head was known as the Ariz-i-Mamalik.
- Diwan-i-Qaza (Department of Justice):
- Role: Administered justice and managed legal affairs.
- Function: The head of this department was the Qazi-ul-Quzat (Chief Judge), who was responsible for interpreting and implementing Islamic law.
- Diwan-i-Rasalat (Department of Foreign Affairs):
- Role: Handled diplomatic relations and correspondence with other states.
- Function: Managed treaties, alliances, and diplomatic missions.
- Diwan-i-Kohi (Department of Agriculture):
- Role: Oversaw agricultural production and land management.
- Function: Implemented policies related to agriculture and land revenue.
c. Central Bureaucracy
- High Officials: The central administration included various high-ranking officials appointed by the Sultan. These officials were responsible for implementing the Sultan’s policies and managing different aspects of the state’s affairs.
- Nobility: The nobility played a significant role in the administration, often holding influential positions and advising the Sultan.
2. Local Administration
a. Provincial Administration
- Governors (Subahdars or Iqtadars):
- Role: Each province, known as a subah or iqta, was governed by an appointed official called the Subahdar or Iqtadar.
- Function: Responsible for local administration, revenue collection, and maintaining law and order in their regions. They had considerable autonomy but were accountable to the central administration.
- Local Revenue Collection: The Iqtadars or Subahdars were responsible for collecting land revenue and ensuring that the central government’s share was remitted. They managed local revenue systems and oversaw agricultural production.
b. District Administration
- Shiqdar (District Officer):
- Role: Managed individual districts or shiqs within provinces.
- Function: Responsible for local administration, law enforcement, and revenue collection at the district level. They acted as intermediaries between the provincial governors and the local population.
- Village Headmen: Local village headmen or mukaddams played a crucial role in managing village affairs, collecting taxes, and maintaining local order.
c. Judicial Administration
- Local Courts: At the local level, judicial matters were handled by local courts presided over by Qazis (judges). They dealt with civil and criminal cases based on Islamic law.
- Appeals and Higher Courts: Serious cases could be appealed to higher courts at the provincial or central level. The Qazi-ul-Quzat (Chief Judge) in the central administration had the final authority on major legal issues.
d. Police and Law Enforcement
- Shahna: In major cities, the Shahna was responsible for maintaining law and order. The Shahna was assisted by a network of local police officers and watchmen.
- Patrolling and Surveillance: Regular patrolling and surveillance were conducted to prevent crime and maintain public order.
3. Administrative Innovations
a. Iqta System
- Introduction: The Iqta system, introduced by Iltutmish and refined by later rulers, involved assigning land grants (iqtas) to military commanders and officials in return for their services.
- Function: Iqta holders were responsible for collecting revenue and maintaining order in their assigned territories. This system helped in managing the vast empire but also led to the rise of powerful regional leaders.
b. Market Regulation
- Price Control: Rulers like Ala-ud-Din Khilji implemented measures to control prices and regulate markets to prevent inflation and ensure the availability of essential goods.
- Market Inspectors: Market inspectors were appointed to enforce price controls and oversee market operations.
4. Challenges and Issues
a. Regional Autonomy
- Power of Iqtadars: The autonomy granted to Iqtadars and provincial governors often led to challenges in maintaining central control. Some regional leaders became powerful enough to challenge the central authority.
- Administrative Inefficiencies: The vast size of the empire and the complexity of administration sometimes led to inefficiencies and difficulties in communication and coordination.
b. Economic Strain
- Revenue Collection: The centralization of revenue collection and the pressure to manage extensive military campaigns strained the empire’s finances and led to economic difficulties.
Conclusion
The administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate was a sophisticated system designed to manage a vast and diverse empire. The central administration, led by the Sultan and supported by various departments, was responsible for overarching governance and policy-making. Local administration, including provincial and district officials, played a crucial role in implementing central policies and managing local affairs. Despite the innovative aspects of the administrative system, challenges such as regional autonomy and economic strain affected the efficiency and stability of the Sultanate’s rule.
