Internal reforms and experiments under the Delhi Sultanate were pivotal in shaping the administration, economy, and social structure of medieval India. The various dynasties of the Sultanate, from the Mamluks to the Lodis, implemented reforms and experimented with new systems to strengthen their rule, address challenges, and adapt to the evolving needs of their empire.
1. Administrative Reforms
a. Iqta System
- Establishment: The Iqta system was a key administrative and revenue mechanism initiated by Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish (1211–1236). It involved assigning large territories, known as iqtas, to military commanders and bureaucrats as a form of land grant.
- Function: Iqta holders were responsible for collecting revenue and maintaining order in their assigned regions. They had autonomy in managing their territories but were expected to provide military support to the Sultan.
- Impact: While the system helped in administration and defense, it also led to the rise of powerful regional governors who sometimes challenged central authority.
b. Centralized Administration
- Expansion: Under Ala-ud-Din Khilji (1296–1316), efforts were made to centralize administrative control. The Sultan introduced a more systematic approach to governance, including a well-defined bureaucratic structure.
- Reorganization: The administrative reforms included establishing departments for revenue collection, military affairs, and justice. Khilji’s reign saw the creation of a more organized and efficient administrative machinery.
c. Military Reforms
- Standing Army: Ala-ud-Din Khilji is known for his establishment of a large standing army, including the Iqtadar and Chihalgani (forty nobles). This helped in maintaining a ready and well-equipped military force.
- Price Control: Khilji also implemented measures to control prices and ensure the availability of essential goods to the military, including the establishment of state-controlled markets.
2. Revenue Reforms
a. Land Revenue System
- Zabti System: The Zabti system, introduced by Ala-ud-Din Khilji, was a significant reform in land revenue assessment. It aimed to streamline the process of revenue collection based on land productivity.
- Measurement and Assessment: Khilji’s administration conducted detailed surveys to assess land productivity and set standardized rates for taxation. This helped in improving revenue collection efficiency.
b. Revenue Collection and Management
- Centralization: The centralization of revenue collection was a major reform under Khilji. The introduction of Diwan-i-Kohi (Department of Agriculture) aimed to oversee agricultural production and revenue collection more effectively.
- Accountability: Measures were introduced to reduce corruption and ensure accurate revenue collection. Regular audits and strict monitoring were implemented to ensure the integrity of the revenue system.
3. Social and Economic Reforms
a. Market Regulation
- Price Controls: Khilji’s administration introduced measures to regulate market prices and prevent inflation. State-controlled markets were established to ensure the availability of essential goods at reasonable prices.
- Market Surveillance: The Sultanate employed market inspectors to monitor prices and ensure that traders adhered to regulations. This helped in stabilizing the economy and maintaining control over the market.
b. Urban Development
- Infrastructure Projects: Khilji’s reign saw significant urban development, including the construction of new cities and infrastructure projects. The city of Siri was established as a new administrative and military center.
- Public Works: Various public works, including roads, bridges, and water supply systems, were undertaken to improve urban infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents.
4. Judicial Reforms
a. Legal System
- Sharia Law: The legal system of the Delhi Sultanate was based on Sharia law, which governed personal and criminal matters. The implementation of Islamic legal principles was a significant aspect of the Sultanate’s administration.
- Qazi and Mufti: The roles of Qazi (judges) and Mufti (legal scholars) were crucial in administering justice. They were responsible for interpreting and applying Islamic law in various legal matters.
b. Legal Reforms
- Streamlining Procedures: Efforts were made to streamline legal procedures and ensure the fair administration of justice. Khilji’s reforms included setting up courts and legal institutions to handle disputes and maintain law and order.
5. Cultural and Religious Reforms
a. Promotion of Islam
- Religious Patronage: The Delhi Sultanate promoted Islam through the patronage of religious scholars, Sufi saints, and the construction of mosques and madrasas (Islamic schools).
- Religious Policies: The Sultanate’s rulers, particularly Khilji and Tughlaq, enforced Islamic laws and practices. This included the imposition of Islamic rituals and the restriction of non-Islamic practices.
b. Cultural Integration
- Syncretism: Despite the emphasis on Islamic practices, there was a degree of cultural integration and syncretism. Interaction between different religious communities led to the emergence of syncretic cultural and religious practices.
6. Experimental Policies
a. Famine Relief
- Emergency Measures: During periods of famine and natural disasters, the Sultanate implemented emergency measures to provide relief to affected populations. This included state-sponsored food distribution and relief efforts.
b. Currency Reforms
- Coinage: The Tughlaq rulers experimented with currency reforms, including the introduction of new coinage systems. Muhammad bin Tughlaq is known for his attempts to introduce copper currency, which ultimately failed due to issues with counterfeiting and public resistance.
Conclusion
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of significant internal reforms and experiments aimed at consolidating power, improving administrative efficiency, and managing the diverse needs of a vast empire. While some reforms, such as the Iqta system and revenue reforms, had lasting impacts on governance and administration, others faced challenges and limitations. The Sultanate’s efforts to centralize control, regulate markets, and enhance infrastructure contributed to the development of medieval Indian society, but internal strife, regional fragmentation, and external threats eventually led to its decline and the rise of new powers in the Indian subcontinent.
