ALAUDDIN KHILJI

AGRARIAN REFORMS AND MARKET POLICY

The Khalji or Khilji

DR PRIYA DARSHINI
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
CNLU, PATNA
AGRARIAN REFORMS: (ECONOMIC POLICY)

[Link] Village Control: Khilji brought villages directly under state control,
ensuring they contributed more effectively to the treasury. This diminished the power of
village chiefs and local landlords.
[Link] Surveys: Regular land surveys were conducted to keep updated records of
cultivated areas. This helped in the accurate assessment of taxes and prevented evasion.
[Link] Payment of Taxes: Instead of paying in kind, peasants were required to pay taxes
in cash. This shift increased liquidity in the economy and reduced administrative costs.
[Link] Power of Local Landlords: By centralizing land control and revenue, Khilji
curtailed the influence of local landlords. This strengthened the central administration
and weakened regional feudal powers.
[Link]-Based Tax Assessment: Taxes were assessed based on the type and yield of
crops. This allowed for a more equitable tax system that considered the productivity of
different lands.
Allauddin Khilji
introduced several
agrarian and market
reforms during his
rule. He brought
much of the land
under direct control
of the crown and
implemented a
system of
measurement and
tax collection. Taxes
were reduced to half
the produce. ALAUDDIN KHILJI’S MARKET REFORMS
MARKET CONTROL POLICY: (ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY)

1. Control of Grain Prices: The price of grain was tightly controlled through state intervention. The state
often purchased surplus grain and sold it at fixed prices to prevent shortages and inflation. This helped
maintain food security and supported the army's food requirements.
2. Army Supply: One of the key motivations behind the market control policy was to provide for the
military at low costs. The fixed prices ensured that the army could be supplied with food and essential
goods without causing a financial burden on the state. It also boosted the state's defense capabilities.
3. Consumer Protection: Khilji's policies aimed at protecting consumers, particularly the lower classes,
from the exploitation of merchants. By fixing prices and regulating markets, he prevented inflation and
ensured fair access to essential goods. This helped maintain social stability and loyalty to the regime.
4. Monitoring and Reporting: The markets were closely monitored by spies (Munhiyans) who reported
any violations or misconduct to the central authorities. This network of informants helped ensure
compliance with the policies and acted as a deterrent for corrupt traders. The efficient surveillance system
kept markets in check.
5. Harsh Punishments: Violations of the market control policies, such as hoarding, price manipulation, or
cheating, were met with severe punishments. Traders caught breaking the law could face imprisonment,
public humiliation, or confiscation of goods. This instilled fear and enforced discipline among merchants.
6. Price Fixation: Khilji fixed the prices of essential commodities such as food grains, sugar, cooking
oil, and textiles. A fixed rate for each item was established to ensure affordability for both the
military and common people. Officials regularly monitored markets to prevent traders from
overcharging.
7. Control of Supply: To maintain price stability, Khilji set up state granaries and maintained reserves
of essential goods. These reserves could be released in times of shortage to avoid price hikes. Traders
were compelled to sell goods at state-determined prices to ensure consistent supply.
8. Strict Market Regulations: Khilji appointed market controllers (Shahna-i-Mandi) to oversee the
functioning of the markets. These officials ensured that traders adhered to the fixed prices and that
there was no hoarding or black-marketing. Severe punishments, including fines and imprisonment,
were imposed for violations.
9. Regulation of Trade: Traders were required to register with the state and obtain licenses to sell
goods. This enabled the administration to keep track of merchants and regulate their business
practices. It also reduced the chances of smuggling or illegal trade.
10. Weight and Measure Standardization: Khilji enforced strict regulations on the use of standard
weights and measures in markets. This ensured that customers were not cheated and that traders
followed uniform practices. Any deviation from these standards resulted in heavy penalties.
SLAVE DYNASTY
Assignment of Land: The Iqta system involved granting land (Iqta) to military
officers and nobles in exchange for their service. These officials, known as Iqtadars,
were responsible for administering the land and collecting revenue. The collected
revenue would fund their military expenses and pay salaries.
Revenue Collection: The Iqtadars were entitled to collect taxes from the peasants
residing on their assigned lands. A portion of the revenue collected was to be sent
to the central government, while the Iqtadar retained the rest for local
administration and personal income.
Military Obligations: In return for the grant of land, Iqtadars were obligated to
provide soldiers to the Sultan during times of war or for maintaining order. This
system helped the Sultan build a decentralized military force without directly
financing it from the treasury.
 Non-Hereditary: Unlike feudal systems in other regions, Iqtas were not hereditary
and could be reassigned by the Sultan. This ensured that the loyalty of the Iqtadars
remained with the Sultan and prevented the emergence of hereditary feudal lords.
Administrative Control: Iltutmish used the Iqta system as a tool for decentralizing
administration while maintaining control over vast territories. The Iqtadars were
responsible for law and order, ensuring that the central authority was upheld in
distant provinces.
Revenue Redistribution: The system allowed for the redistribution of wealth and
resources across the Sultanate, contributing to the economic stability of the state.
It also reduced the Sultan’s burden of directly managing local administration,
which was delegated to the Iqtadars.
Central Authority: Although Iqtadars had autonomy in managing their Iqtas, they
were subject to the Sultan's control and could be removed at any time. This system
reinforced the Sultan’s central authority and ensured that loyalty remained
focused on the throne.