The Administration of the Delhi Empire in the Pre-Mughal Period
Summary
The administration of the Delhi Empire in the pre-Mughal period was characterized by evolving land revenue systems and provincial governance. Land revenue, the primary income source, was initially assessed through "guess or computation," with Alauddin Khilji introducing the *jari* system for measurement. His exorbitant taxation, set at half the gross annual produce, included grazing fees and perquisites for officials, with strict scrutiny to prevent corruption. However, this system collapsed after his death. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq revived the older method but emphasized moderation, ensuring cultivation increased and taxes were fair to prevent peasant discontent. He canceled unauthorized revenue claims and punished officials for deductions. Under Muhammad Tughlaq, taxation reached extreme levels, reportedly ten to twenty times the produce, causing widespread distress. Feroz Tughlaq later restored balance, abolishing 23 illegal taxes and implementing fairer assessments based on land conditions and irrigation. Provincial administration divided the empire into provinces, with the number fluctuating based on territorial changes. During Muhammad Tughlaq’s reign, twelve provinces were recorded, including Delhi, Gujarat, Malwa, and Tilang. Revenue collection and governance varied across provinces, with officials often wielding discretionary power. Despite reforms by Ghiyasuddin and Feroz Tughlaq, corruption and inefficiencies persisted due to weak central oversight. The period saw shifts between oppressive taxation and attempts at equitable systems, reflecting the challenges of balancing state revenue needs with peasant welfare.
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Conclusion
The pre-Mughal administration of the Delhi Empire reveals a complex interplay between revenue systems and agrarian sustainability. Alauddin Khilji’s jarib system, though innovative in standardizing land assessment and curbing corruption, proved unsustainable, collapsing after his death. The subsequent revival of imprecise "guess or computation" methods under Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, while more flexible, often prioritized state interests over peasant welfare, leading to moderate prosperity. However, Muhammad Tughlaq’s extreme taxation policies exacerbated rural distress, pushing the economy into decline. Feroz Tughlaq’s reforms marked a turning point, reintroducing equitable principles and eliminating arbitrary exactions, fostering renewed stability. This analysis underscores the delicate balance between fiscal demands and agrarian capacity, highlighting how administrative choices directly influenced socio-economic outcomes in pre-Mughal India. The shift from Alauddin’s rigidity to Feroz’s moderation demonstrates the evolving understanding of sustainable governance.