44th B.P.S.C. Prelims 2000

Medieval Horticulture

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following Sultans of Delhi introduced measures for improving the quality of fruits?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Beyond large-scale irrigation canals, Firuz Shah Tughlaq showed a specific interest in horticulture. He aimed to improve the variety and quality of produce for the royal table and the markets.

Explanation Firuz Tughluq is credited with planting over 1,200 fruit gardens in and around Delhi. He introduced improved grafting techniques and variety selection, which significantly increased state revenue from horticulture.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option B is correct. His passion for gardens also served a fiscal purpose, as the sale of fruits added to the royal treasury.
Logic 2: These gardens were located in the fertile Yamuna belt, benefiting from his extensive canal network.

Active Recall

Question

How did the 1,200 fruit gardens impact the Sultanate's economy?

Answer

They provided a significant non-land revenue source through the sale of high-quality fruits and helped stabilize food prices in Delhi.

Core Insight

Firuz Shah's horticultural focus combined aesthetic pleasure with a scientific approach to increasing agricultural profitability.