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B.P.S.C. Prelims 2018

Agrarian Reforms of the Khaljis

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which Sultan demanded half the crops on land after measurement as revenue?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Alauddin Khalji introduced the most rigorous land revenue system of the Sultanate, aimed at squeezing the rural surplus to support his massive standing army.

Explanation He mandated that land revenue (Kharaj) be set at 50% of the produce. Crucially, this was calculated after the measurement of the land (Biswa system) to ensure accuracy and eliminate the power of local intermediaries.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct. He was the first Sultan to insist on measurement for all cultivated lands in the Doab region.
Logic 2: While MBT (D) also increased taxes in the Doab, the specific policy of '50% after measurement' is the hallmark of the Khalji era.

Active Recall

Question

What was the purpose of the 'Biswa' system?

Answer

It was a standard unit of measurement introduced by Alauddin to calculate revenue fairly and accurately based on the actual size of the field.

Core Insight

The demand for 50% revenue was designed not just for fiscal gain, but to strip the rural aristocracy (Khuts and Muqaddams) of the wealth needed to rebel.

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