[Solved] MBT's Agriculture Reforms | Diwan-i-Kohi Crop Rotation

Which Sultan of Delhi had established a separate Agriculture Department and had planned the 'rotation of crops'?

[U.P. Lower Sub. Prelims 2008]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Muhammad bin Tughluq was a monarch with a scientific temperament. He was the first to recognize that agricultural productivity could be improved through state-led innovation and management.

Authentic Source Evidence

He established the Diwan-i-Amir-Kohi (Agriculture Department) and introduced a model state farm where crop rotation was practiced to maintain soil fertility and diversify yield.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option D is correct. He also introduced 'Sondhar' (agricultural loans) to help peasants switch from inferior to superior crops like wheat and sugarcane.

Logic 2: Despite the visionary nature of these reforms, they failed because the land chosen was infertile and the officials were corrupt.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the purpose of 'Sondhar' loans?"

They were state-provided loans given to farmers to purchase seeds, equipment, and to dig wells, facilitating a shift to more profitable crops.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"MBT's agricultural policy was centuries ahead of its time, attempting a 'Green Revolution' through systematic state intervention."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Sondhar loans 3

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