Consider the following statements:
- In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’.
- The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
- The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 only
This question tests knowledge of administrative institutions during the Delhi Sultanate period. Only the first statement regarding the Amil as revenue collector is historically accurate, while the claims about the Iqta system's indigenous origin and the Mir Bakshi's establishment during Khalji period are incorrect.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The 'Amil' was the officer responsible for revenue collection in the territorial divisions (iqtas or provinces) of the Delhi Sultanate.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Iqta system was not an indigenous institution but was borrowed from the Persian/Arab administrative model and introduced in India by the Delhi Sultans.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The office of 'Mir Bakshi' (head of military department) came into existence during the Mughal period under Akbar, not during the Khalji Sultanate.
📝 Short Notes: Revenue and Administrative Systems of Delhi Sultanate
| Office/System | Function | Period/Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Amil | Revenue collector at provincial/iqta level | Delhi Sultanate |
| Iqta System | Land assignment system where military commanders received revenue rights in lieu of salary | Persian/Arab origin, introduced by early Sultans |
| Diwan-i-Wizarat | Central finance department | Delhi Sultanate |
| Mir Bakshi | Head of military department, maintained army records | Mughal period (Akbar's reign) |
| Barids | Intelligence officers/news reporters | Delhi Sultanate (especially Alauddin Khalji) |
- Khalji Dynasty Contributions: Alauddin Khalji strengthened revenue administration with strict price control (market regulation), military reforms, and efficient intelligence network.
- Revenue Assessment: Land revenue was the main source of income; assessment methods varied under different Sultans.
- Iqtadars/Muqtis: Holders of iqtas who collected revenue and maintained troops from their assignments.
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