Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Consider the following statements about Alauddin Khilji's market policy: 1. He placed markets under the control of a high officer called 'Shahna' for strictly controlling the shopkeepers and prices. 2. In order to ensure a regular supply of cheap foodgrains, he ordered the land revenue from Doab region to be paid directly to the state. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
Alauddin Khalji's market reforms were a radical attempt at 'command economy' intended to keep the cost of living low so he could pay his soldiers lower salaries.Explanation
He established the Shahna-i-Mandi to oversee the grain markets and ensure no hoarding or overpricing occurred. To keep the Mandis stocked, he ordered that revenue from the fertile Doab region be collected directly in grain rather than cash.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct. The 'Shahna' was an inspector with the power to punish dishonest merchants.
Logic 2: Statement 2 is correct. By taking revenue in kind (grain) from the Doab, the state maintained massive granaries that supplied the city during shortages and kept prices suppressed.