[Solved] Origins of PDS in India | Alauddin Khalji Reforms

Which one of the following Kings of the medieval India began the 'Public Distribution System'?

[U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2010]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

To maintain a large army at low cost, Alauddin Khalji introduced strict market regulations that ensured the availability of essential grains at fixed, low prices for both soldiers and the public.

Authentic Source Evidence

Contemporary records indicate that Alauddin established state granaries in Delhi and mandated that grain be sold at regulated prices, especially during times of scarcity, functioning as an early PDS.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: He established the 'Mandi' (grain market) and 'Sarai-i-Adl' (market for cloth and other goods) to control supply and pricing.

Logic 2: In times of famine or shortage, the state rationed grain from its reserves, ensuring that the basic needs of the city's population were met.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Who was the 'Shahna-i-Mandi'?"

The Shahna-i-Mandi was the high-ranking official appointed to oversee and regulate the grain market and its prices.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Alauddin's 'PDS' was not a welfare measure but a strategic economic tool designed to sustain a centralized military state without causing inflation."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Mandi 2Price Control 2

Analysing authentic U.P.P.C.S. Mainsprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Khalji Economic Reforms helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Public Distribution System India and Alauddin Khalji PDS builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →