Economy, Society and Administration Under Delhi Sultanate

During the Delhi Sultanate, the administration was structured with the Sultan at the helm, aided by a council of ministers overseeing various departments. Economic prosperity relied heavily on agriculture and trade, facilitated by advancements in communication and technology. Social life was influenced by a diverse blend of cultural elements, but also marked by divisions and religious discrimination.

An Overview of Delhi Sultanate

Central Administration

• Council of Ministers: The Sultan was aided in administration by a council of ministers (Majlis-i-Khalwat), personally selected by him and serving at his discretion.
• Sultans: The sultanate established a Turko-Afghan administrative system in India.
  • Deputies of the Baghdad Caliph: The Sultans considered themselves deputies of the Baghdad Caliph and incorporated the Caliph’s name in their prayers (khutba) and engraved it on their currency. 
  • Succession Instability: The absence of a clear succession policy caused instability and power struggles after the Sultan’s demise.

• Administrative Departments and Positions as shown in the below table

• Local Administration in Delhi Sultanate:

• • Iqtas (Provinces): Muqtis (Governor)
  • Shiqs (Districts): Shiqdar
  • Pargana (Blocks): Amil (for collecting revenue) [UPSC 2019]
  • Village (basic unit of administration): Muqaddam or Chaudhari

2. Economy

• Land revenue was pivotal for the Sultanate’s income, with a substantial population involved in agriculture. Mismanagement hindered optimal agricultural benefits, which were compensated using the spoils and treasures from their extensive conquests.

• Communication: Ibn Battuta describes the postal system of two kinds:

• • Uluq: The horse post was run by royal horses stationed at a distance of every four miles.
  • Dawa: The foot-post was at a distance of one-third of a mile.
  • Rest Houses: known as Sarais were maintained along highways for the convenience of travellers.
• Technological Contributions in the Delhi Sultanate: The Turks introduced new techniques like:
  • Manufacturing of paper (learnt from Chinese).
  • Use of iron stirrups and armour.
  • Introduction of spinning wheels. 
  • Growth of the metallurgical industry.

3. Social Life

• Cultural Influence on Social Life: Social life during the Delhi Sultanate was influenced by a blend of Islamic, Persian, Central Asian, and Indian cultural elements. 
• Women: Subordinate position of women – sati; Purdha system which increased female seclusion.
• Divisions: Caste system in Hindu society; ethnic and racial groups in Muslim society (Turks, Iranians, Afghans, and Indian Muslims) formed distinct groups with limited intermarriage.
• Religious discrimination: Muslim nobles held high offices while Hindu nobles rarely received significant positions. 
  • Hindus were considered “zimmis” or protected people and were required to pay the jaziya tax.
• Slavery: Both Male and female slaves were being traded in markets and used for a wide range of tasks, including household chores and skilled labour.

Conclusion

The Delhi Sultanate era was characterized by a complex administrative system, economic growth driven by agriculture and trade, and social dynamics influenced by cultural diversity. However, it was also a period marked by hierarchical divisions, religious discrimination, and the exploitation of slaves, reflecting the complexities of governance and society during that time.

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