Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Consider the following statements: 1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as 'Amil'. 2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution. 3. 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?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: A
Concept
The administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate was a mix of Persian, Central Asian, and local Indian elements. Terms like Amil and Iqta are central to understanding land revenue.Explanation
Satish Chandra’s *Medieval India
notes that Amils were revenue collectors. The Iqta system was a Persian institution introduced to India by the Ghorids/Sultans. Mir Bakshi was a Mughal administrative post.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct. The 'Amil' (or Mutsarrif) was responsible for collection at the Shiq (district) level.
Logic 2: Statement 2 is incorrect. The Iqta system was a West Asian/Islamic institution used to pay officers via land revenue grants; it was not indigenous to ancient India.
Logic 3: Statement 3 is incorrect. The 'Mir Bakshi' (Head of Military) is a Mughal-era designation. In the Sultanate, the military head was the 'Ariz-i-Mumalik'.