Question

The Delhi Sultan who introduced market regulations was

• A. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
• B. Balban
• C. Iltutmish
• D. Ala - ud - din Khulji % OCR spelling, usually Alauddin Khalji/Khilji

Hint:

Key Reforms by Delhi Sultans: - Iltutmish: Iqta system, introduction of Tanka (silver) and Jital (copper) coins. - Balban: Strengthened monarchy, 'Sijda' and 'Paibos', efficient spy system, suppressed rebellions. - Alauddin Khalji: Market control policy (price fixation), Dagh (branding of horses), Chehra (descriptive roll of soldiers), land revenue reforms. - Muhammad bin Tughlaq: Token currency, transfer of capital (Delhi to Daulatabad), agricultural reforms (Diwan-i-Kohi), Takkavi loans. - Firoz Shah Tughlaq: Public works (canals, hospitals, sarais), Diwan-i-Khairat (charity), Diwan-i-Bundagan (department of slaves), Jizya on non-Muslims.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Recall major Delhi Sultans and their administrative reforms.
The Delhi Sultanate saw various rulers who implemented significant administrative and economic measures.

Step 2: Identify the Sultan known for extensive market control policies.
Alauddin Khalji (reigned 1296-1316) of the Khalji dynasty is renowned for his comprehensive market control policies and economic reforms.
He implemented these measures to maintain a large standing army (to counter Mongol invasions and for his expansionist policies) by ensuring that soldiers could be paid relatively low salaries if the prices of essential commodities were kept low and stable.
His market regulations included: - Fixing prices of essential goods (grains, cloth, horses, slaves, cattle).
- Establishing separate markets for different commodities (e.
g.
, grain market - Shuhna-i-mandi).
- Appointing market controllers (Shahna-i-Mandi) and intelligence officers (Barids, Munhiyans) to enforce regulations.
- Strict punishments for hoarding, black marketing, and violating price controls.
- Control over supply and transport of goods.

Step 3: Consider other Sultans.
- (1) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (Tughlaq dynasty, 1325-1351): Known for ambitious and often controversial experiments like token currency, transfer of capital, and agricultural reforms.
Not primarily for market price controls in the same way as Alauddin.
- (2) Ghiyas ud din Balban (Slave dynasty, 1266-1287): Known for consolidating the Sultanate, strengthening the monarchy, and establishing an efficient spy system.
Not specifically for market regulations.
- (3) Shams-ud-din Iltutmish (Slave dynasty, 1211-1236): Considered the real consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate; introduced silver tanka and copper jital, organized the iqta system.
Not primarily known for comprehensive market control.

Step 4: Confirm the Sultan.
Alauddin Khalji is famous for his market regulation policies.
This matches option (4).