UPSC CSE Prelims
Economy and Society Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Economy and Society with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as “KulahDaran”?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Sayyids
The Sayyids were revered in Muslim society as descendants of Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima. During the Delhi Sultanate period, they wore a distinctive pointed cap called 'kulah', earning them the title 'KulahDaran' (cap-wearers). Even during Timur's devastating invasion of India in 1398, he specifically spared the lives of Sayyids despite his general policy of massacre, demonstrating their special status in Islamic society.
📝 Short Notes: Social Classes in Delhi Sultanate
- Sayyids (KulahDaran): Claimed descent from Prophet Muhammad through Fatima; wore pointed caps (kulah); enjoyed special privileges and respect; protected even during Timur's invasion
- Shaikhs: Arab Muslims and their descendants who settled in India; considered high in social hierarchy
- Qalandars: Muslim mendicant mystics who rejected conventional religious practices; often wandering ascetics
- Ulema: Islamic scholars and religious leaders who interpreted Sharia law
- Khuddams: Turkish nobles who formed the ruling elite in early Delhi Sultanate
- Social Hierarchy: Sayyids and Shaikhs → Foreign Muslims (Turks, Afghans, Persians) → Indian Muslims (converts) → Non-Muslims
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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Related Topics in Medieval History
Administration
Akbar
Foundation of Delhi Sultanate
Society and Economy
Trade and Commerce
Regional Kingdoms
Pallavas
Cholas
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