[Solved] Alauddin Khalji's Revenue Reforms and Land Measurement

Consider the following statement connected with Alauddin Khalji:
1. He collected revenue by measuring the cultivated land.
2. He enforced revenue measures in his entire empire.
3. He abolished the powers of provincial Governors.
Select the correct answer from the coding scheme given below:

[U.P.P.C.S. Pre 1994]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Alauddin Khalji revolutionized the fiscal state to support a massive army. His reforms aimed to maximize central revenue by eliminating local intermediaries and applying scientific measurement to land.

Authentic Source Evidence

Alauddin was the first Sultan to insist that revenue be collected based on measurement of the land (Biswa). He cancelled revenue assignments (Iqtas) and suppressed the local Hindu chiefs (Khuts and Muqaddams).

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct. Measurement provided a more accurate basis for taxing produce (Kharaj).

Logic 2: Statement 2 is incorrect. These reforms were primarily concentrated in the Doab and northern regions, not the 'entire' empire (the South remained tributary).

Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct. He centralized power and severely curtailed the administrative and financial autonomy of his provincial officials.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the result of Alauddin's revenue centralization?"

It significantly increased the central treasury's resources while impoverishing local intermediaries, preventing them from inciting rebellions.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Alauddin's revenue system was the first major step toward a centralized bureaucratic state in the Indian subcontinent."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

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Analysing authentic U.P.P.C.S. Preprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Sultanate Economic Centralization helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Kharaj and Land measurement builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →

Consider the following statement connected with Alauddin Khalji:1. He collected revenue by measuring the cultivated land.2. He enforced revenue measures in his entire empire.3. He abolished the powers of provincial Governors.Select the correct answer from the coding scheme given below: