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Delhi Sultanate Administration

Delhi Sultanate Administration | Amil, Iqta, Mir Bakshi

The only correct statement is that 'Amils' were in charge of revenue collection. The Iqta system was a Persian import, and 'Mir Bakshi' was a Mughal office, not a Sultanate one.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class VII - Our Pasts II

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Consider the following statements:
1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as 'Amil'.
2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
3. The office of 'Mir Bakshi' came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC CSE Prelims 2019]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


The administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate was a mix of Persian, Central Asian, and local Indian elements. Terms like Amil and Iqta are central to understanding land revenue.

Authentic Source Evidence


Satish Chandra’s Medieval India notes that Amils were revenue collectors. The Iqta system was a Persian institution introduced to India by the Ghorids/Sultans. Mir Bakshi was a Mughal administrative post.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct. The 'Amil' (or Mutsarrif) was responsible for collection at the Shiq (district) level.

  • Logic 2: Statement 2 is incorrect. The Iqta system was a West Asian/Islamic institution used to pay officers via land revenue grants; it was not indigenous to ancient India.

  • Logic 3: Statement 3 is incorrect. The 'Mir Bakshi' (Head of Military) is a Mughal-era designation. In the Sultanate, the military head was the 'Ariz-i-Mumalik'.

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "How did the Iqta system differ from traditional feudalism?"

    Unlike feudal lords, Iqtadars were frequently transferred and did not own the land; they only had the right to collect revenue in exchange for military service.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The Sultanate administration systematically replaced local titles with Persian ones, though local intermediaries like Chaudharys remained vital."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Iqta system 2Ariz-i-Mumalik 2Mughal Administration 2

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