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EXPLAIN THE
FEATURES OF IQTA
SYSTEM UNDER THE
DIFFERENT SULTANS
OF DELHI.
• The Iqta system in
the Delhi Sultanate
was a way for the
• The
rulers to manage
land, taxes, and
the military.
What is Iqta?
It was a piece of
land or area given
to nobles, officers,
or soldiers, called
Iqtadars, in return
for their service to
the Sultan.
How did it work?
The Iqtadar collected taxes from the
land's people. With this tax money:

• They paid their soldiers.

• They kept some money for their own
expenses.
• The remaining money was sent to the
Sultan’s treasury.
What Was The Purpose?
1. To maintain a large
army without the
Sultan paying
soldiers directly.

2. To reward loyal
nobles and officers
with land.
How did the Sultan control it?
• The Sultan made sure Iqtas
weren’t given permanently.

• Iqtadars were moved to new

areas often so they wouldn’t
become too powerful.
Why did the system cause problems?
• When Sultans became
weak, Iqtadars stopped
following orders and
acted like kings of their
areas, leading to the
decline of the Delhi
Sultanate.
the Iqta system
under different
Sultans of Delhi:
Under Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206–1210)
• foundational Stage: Aibak
introduced the Iqta system as a
reward to nobles and soldiers.

• No centralized control: Initially,

Iqtadars (Iqta holders) enjoyed
considerable autonomy in their
regions.

• Revenue Collection: Iqtadars

collected revenue from the land
to maintain themselves and
their forces.
 Under Iltutmish
(1210–1236)
• Systematization of Iqta:
Iltutmish institutionalized
the system and brought
central oversight.

• Military and Administrative

Purpose: The land revenue
was not only for personal
income but also for
maintaining troops for the
Sultan.
• Reassignment: Iqtas were
transferred frequently to
prevent hereditary claims
• The
by nobles.
 Under Balban
(1266–1287)
• Strict Central Control:
Balban restricted the
powers of Iqtadars to
maintain royal authority.

• Supervision of Iqtadars:
Governors were kept under
close watch, and military
services were monitored to
avoid rebellion.
• Royal Officials (Khut
and Muqaddam):
Appointed to oversee
• The
tax collection and
administration within
Iqtas.
Under Alauddin
Khalji (1296–1316)

• Reforms to
Prevent Nobles'
Power: Alauddin
drastically
reduced the
autonomy of
Iqtadars.
• Direct Revenue Collection:
Introduced market reforms to
bring more revenue directly
under the Sultan's• treasury.
The

• Troops Maintenance System:

Iqtadars had to maintain
soldiers, but their salaries were
paid directly by the Sultan to
avoid misuse of funds.
 Under Muhammad bin
Tughlaq (1325–1351)
• Further Expansion: Muhammad bin
Tughlaq expanded the Iqta system
but struggled to maintain control
over distant regions.

• Frequent Transfers: Iqtas were

frequently reassigned, leading to
discontent among nobles.

• Decentralization Issues:
Mismanagement led to rebellions,
especially in remote areas.
 Under Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388)
• Iqta System Relaxes: Firuz Shah
reduced military demands on
Iqtadars and allowed them more
autonomy.

• Hereditary Iqta: Iqtas became

hereditary in many cases to maintain
loyalty among nobles.

• Revenue Decline: This weakened the

Sultan’s control over military forces
and administration.
Decline during Later Sultans (15th Century)

• Breakdown of Central Control:

The Iqta system became highly
decentralized as weak rulers
failed to enforce strict control.

• Regional Independence: Many

governors (Iqtadars) declared
independence, leading to the
formation of regional kingdoms.
 GIVE A SURVEY OF
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
SOURCES FOR
CONSTRUCTING THE
HISTORY OF DELHI
SULTANATE
• Constructing the history
of the Delhi Sultanate
(1206–1526 CE)•requires
The
diverse sources,

• as no single type of
record provides a
complete picture
• The
LITERARY
SOURCES
 Court Chronicles
• Tabaqat-i-Nasiri by Minhaj-i-
Siraj: A history of the early sultans,
including Iltutmish and Balban.

• Ziauddin Barani’s Tarikh-i-Firoz

Shahi: Covers the reigns of the
Khilji and Tughlaq dynasties.

• Futuhat-i-Firozshahi by Sultan
Firoz Shah Tughlaq:
Autobiographical work focusing on
his achievements.
 Biographies and
Memoirs
• Tughlaq Nama by Amir
Khusrau: A poetic
account of the reign of
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.

• Khusrau's other works,

including Nuh Sipihr,
provide insight into life
under different
sultans.
Travelogues
• Rihla by Ibn Battuta:
Provides details of life in
Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s
reign.

• Accounts by Marco Polo

and Persian ambassadors
offer perspectives on trade
and diplomacy.
 Epigraphic
Sources
(Inscriptions)
• Inscriptions in Arabic
and Persian• provide
The
valuable information
on rulers,
administration, and
religious endowments.
• Qutb Minar inscriptions: Document the
achievements of early rulers like Qutb-
ud-din Aibak.
• The
• Tomb and mosque inscriptions: Provide
dates, titles, and genealogies of rulers.

• Inscriptions on mosques and madrasas

reveal state patronage of religious
architecture.
Archaeological
Evidence
• Excavations in cities like Delhi,
Firozabad, and Siri reveal structures
such as mosques, palaces,
waterworks, and fortifications.

• Qutb Complex: Provides

architectural insights into the
transition from Hindu to Islamic
architecture.
• Material
remains such • The
as pottery and
tools unearthed
from medieval
settlements.
Numismatic
Sources
(Coins)
Coins help reconstruct the political and
economic history of the Sultanate.
• They reflect rulers’ titles and
political control.

• Example: Muhammad bin

Tughlaq’s experiment with
token currency.

• Coins also show the extent of

trade networks and regions
under Sultanate influence.
 Foreign
Accounts
Travelers, traders, and ambassadors from
other regions recorded their impressions of
the Delhi Sultanate.
• Ibn Battuta’s Rihla
describes the
administration and court
life of Muhammad bin
Tughlaq.

• Chinese and Persian

envoys documented
diplomatic relations and
trade exchanges with the
Sultanate.
Administrative
Records and
Firmans
Official decrees, land grants, and revenue
records provide insight into governance and
economic policies.
• Alauddin Khilji's market
regulations and revenue
reforms are referenced
• The in
court chronicles and
administrative records.

• Land grants in Persian

and Arabic inscriptions
reveal state control over
agricultural land and
taxation systems.
Sufi and Bhakti
Literature
These provide social and cultural insights
that are not covered in court chronicles.
• Sufi texts reflect
interactions between rulers
and religious communities.
• The
• Example: Fawaid al-Fuad
discusses Nizamuddin
Auliya’s influence on
Delhi’s rulers.

• Bhakti poetry during the

Sultanate period captures
popular responses to
changing religious and
social conditions.
CRITICALLY EVALUATE
THE MARKET
REGULATIONS OF
ALAUDDIN KHALJI.
 KEY FEATURES OF
ALAUDDIN KHALJI’S
MARKET
REGULATIONS
Price Control (Market Fixation):
• Prices of essential
commodities like food
grains, sugar, oil, cloth,
and animals were fixed.

• Both wholesale and retail

markets had regulated
prices to ensure that even
the poor had access to
necessities.
Grain Hoarding Prohibition:
• Merchants were
forbidden from
hoarding food
grains.

• This was to prevent

artificial scarcity
and ensure price
stability.
Creation of Market Divisions:
He divided the market into three types:

• Grain Market (Mandi) for food

supplies.

• Cloth and Luxury Goods Market for

higher-end items.

• Slave Market (Sarai-i-Adl) for cattle,

slaves, and horses
State Granaries:

• The state stockpiled

grains to release them
during famines or
scarcity,

• thus maintaining
supply and prices.
Spies and Market Inspectors:
• A network of spies (barids)
and officers, including the
Shahna-i-Mandi, monitored
market transactions.

• Strict punishments were

imposed for overcharging,
hoarding, or non-
compliance with the
regulations.
Control on Salaries and Luxury:
• To reduce inflation,
wages of soldiers and
officials were fixed at
lower levels.

• This policy was

intended to curb
luxury and excessive
expenditure among
the nobility.
Criticism and
Limitations
Coercive Nature of Regulations:
• The system relied heavily on
force and surveillance, making
it unsustainable in the long run.

• Merchants operated under fear,

not cooperation, leading to
discontent.
 Excessive Bureaucracy and
Corruption:
• The reliance on officials and spies
to monitor markets created
opportunities for corruption.

• Officials might have taken bribes

to allow merchants to violate the
rules.
Impact on Military Morale:
• Keeping salaries of
soldiers artificially low,
though beneficial to the
state, might have
affected soldiers’ morale,
reducing their long-term
loyalty and efficiency.
Collapse after Alauddin’s Death:
• The market regulations
were not institutionalized,
and they collapsed soon
after Alauddin's death,

• indicating that they were

dependent more on the
ruler’s personal authority
than on a sustainable
system.
 CHISHTI SAINTS
DURING THE PERIOD
OF DELHI SULTANATE
• The Chishti saints played
a crucial role•during
The the
Delhi Sultanate period
(1206–1526),

• promoting Sufism and

influencing society
through their teachings.
Emphasis on Love and Devotion
• The Chishti saints stressed
love for God and compassion
for humanity (insaaniyat)
over rituals and formalities.

• They believed in achieving

divine closeness through
spiritual practices like
prayer, meditation, and
serving others.
Renunciation of Material Wealth
• The Chishti saints, especially
prominent figures like Khwaja
Moinuddin Chishti, avoided
wealth and state patronage,
maintaining distance from rulers
and political power.

• They emphasized simple living

and self-discipline, practicing
asceticism.
 Service to Humanity
(Khidmat-e-Khalq)
• Charity, feeding the poor,
and helping the needy were
integral practices.

• Langar (community kitchen)

was a common feature at
their dargahs, where anyone,
regardless of religion or
caste, could receive food.
Religious Tolerance
• The Chishti saints were
known for their inclusive
approach, welcoming people
of all faiths.

• This helped them gain

followers across different
sections of society, including
Hindus and Muslims.
Spiritual and Moral Guidance
• The saints provided moral and
ethical guidance to people,
offering advice based on love,
self-purification, and
patience.

• They believed in the unity of

all beings and preached that
God’s love is open to
everyone.
Music and Poetry (Sama)
• Chishti saints used music
(Qawwali) as a way to
inspire devotion and
achieve spiritual ecstasy.

• They believed that Sama

gatherings (musical
assemblies) could create an
emotional and spiritual
connection with God.
 Dargahs as Centers of
Spiritual Activity
• The dargahs (shrines) of Chishti
saints, such as Ajmer Sharif
(Moinuddin Chishti) and
Nizamuddin Dargah (Nizamuddin
Auliya), became centers of
spiritual learning and devotion.

• People from all walks of life visited

these shrines to seek blessings,
healing, and guidance.
Disregard for Caste and
Social Hierarchies
• The Chishti saints rejected
caste distinctions and
promoted the idea of
equality among humans.

• They attracted followers

from different communities,
spreading the message of
universal brotherhood.
Role in Bridging Religious Divides
• During the politically
turbulent times of the Delhi
Sultanate,

• the Chishti saints acted as

bridges between different
communities, fostering
peace and cultural
exchange.
 FEATURES OF
QUTUB COMPLEX
QUTUB
MINAR
• Height: 73 meters, making it the tallest brick minaret in
the world.

• Material: Red sandstone for the lower stories; marble

and sandstone for the top two.

• Structure: It has five stories, each marked by a

projecting balcony.

• Inscriptions: Arabic and Nagari script carvings praise

rulers and document repairs.

• Construction: Started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1200 CE)

and completed by his successor Iltutmish.

• Damage: The top was damaged and repaired multiple

times by later rulers like Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
QUWWAT-UL-
ISLAM
MOSQUE
• Meaning: The name means "Might of
Islam.“

• The
• Significance: It’s the first mosque built in
Delhi after Muslim rule began.

• Construction Materials: Built from

materials taken from 27 Hindu and Jain
temples, which is why the mosque has a
mix of Islamic and Indian motifs.

• Layout: It has a large central courtyard

with arched screens (some of the earliest
Islamic arches in India).
Iron
Pillar
• Age: Over 1,600 years old, from the
Gupta period.

The
• Height and Weight:• 7.2 meters tall and
weighs about 6 tons.

• Rust Resistance: The iron is

exceptionally pure, which explains
why it has not rusted.

• Inscription: The text praises the

achievements of King Chandragupta II
(4th century CE).
 ALAUDDIN
KHILJI’S
MADRASA AND
TOMB
• Madrasa (School): A center for
Islamic learning during Khilji’s rule
(13th century).
• The
• Tomb: Khilji was the only Delhi
Sultanate ruler to be buried within his
own madrasa. His tomb is simple but
historically important.

• Architecture: The madrasa shows

early examples of Indo-Islamic
architecture.
ALAI MINAR
(UNFINISHED
TOWER)
• Planned Size: Khilji wanted it to be
twice the height of Qutub Minar,
but he couldn’t complete
• The it.

• Current State: Today, it looks like

a massive stone base, about 24.5
meters high.

• Reason for Incompletion: Work

stopped after Khilji’s death in 1316
CE.
TOMBS AND
OTHER
RUINS
• Tomb of Iltutmish: Built in 1235 CE, the tomb
has intricate carvings, including
geometric patterns and Quranic verses.
• Smith’s Cupola: A
small dome added by
British engineer Major
Robert Smith in 1828 on
top of Qutub Minar,

• but it was later

removed and now lies
in the garden nearby.
 ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
• Architectural Style: The Qutub Complex
showcases an interesting mix of Islamic,
Hindu, and Jain styles, since materials were
reused from earlier temples.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: It was declared

a UNESCO site in 1993 for its cultural and
architectural significance.

• Visitors’ Attraction: The complex offers not

just history but also beautiful gardens,
making it a popular spot for tourists and
locals alike.
DISCUSS THE NATURE OF
VIJAYANAGARA STATE
WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE
TO NAYANKARA SYSTEM
The Vijayanagara Empire
(1336–1646 CE) was a
powerful South Indian state
that governed vast regions
from the Deccan Plateau to
southern India.
 THE NATURE OF
VIJAYANAGARA
STATE
 Centralized Monarchy
with Strong Kingship
• The Vijayanagara Empire
was ruled by monarchs,

• who claimed divine status

and held supreme
authority over political,
military, and religious
matters.
• The king was the apex of
the administrative
structure and was
• The
assisted by a council of
ministers.

• Dynasties such as the

Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva,
and Aravidu ruled the
empire during different
phases.
 Decentralized
Administrative Structure
• While the king held
overall authority, the
administration was
decentralized through
regional governance.
• Governors or viceroys
managed larger provinces
(Mandalams), often
• Theappointed
from royal families.

• The empire relied on local

chieftains, merchant guilds,
and military officers for
maintaining control over
distant regions.
 THE
NAYANKARA
SYSTEM
• The Nayankara system was a
distinctive military-
administrative practice
• The
employed by the Vijayanagara
rulers.

• It was similar to the feudal

system of Europe, where
military commanders, known
as Nayakas, were granted land
in return for military services.
Nature of Nayakas
• Nayakas were often
military chiefs or

• commanders who were

given land grants
(Amaram or Nayankara)
to manage specific
regions.
• In exchange for these
grants, the Nayakas had to
provide military •support
The to
the king, particularly
during wars.

• Nayakas functioned like

feudal lords, enjoying
substantial autonomy in
their regions.
Land and Revenue Assignments

• The lands given to Nayakas were

not hereditary but were held at
the pleasure of the king.

• They collected taxes and

revenues from the assigned
territories, a portion of which
was forwarded to the central
treasury, while the rest was used
to maintain their troops.
Autonomy of Nayakas
• Although they owed
allegiance to the
Vijayanagara king, many
Nayakas enjoyed
significant independence.

• Over time, some powerful

Nayakas, such as those in
Tanjore and Madurai,
became influential and
semi-independent rulers.
 Military Obligations
• The primary duty of the
Nayakas was to maintain a
standing army and supply
troops whenever the emperor
called upon them.

• This system enabled the

Vijayanagara rulers to
maintain a large military
force without having to
directly fund all soldiers.
Role in Administrative Stability and Decline

• Initially, the
Nayankara system
allowed the empire to
expand and maintain
effective control over
distant areas through
local military elites.
• However, over time, the
increasing autonomy of the
Nayakas contributed to
• The
internal instability.

• After the defeat at the

Battle of Talikota (1565 CE),
the empire fragmented,
and many Nayakas
declared independence,
leading to the emergence of
regional powers.
 DISCUSS THE
TEACHINGS OF
KABIR AND NANAK.
Kabir (1440–
1518) was a 15th-
century mystic
poet and saint
whose teachings
shaped the Bhakti
Movement.
 On God:
• Kabir emphasized the unity of
God, believing in a single formless
divine being (Nirguna).

• He rejected idol worship, stating

that God is omnipresent and can
be experienced within oneself.

• “God is within you,” he said,

criticizing external rituals.
Critique of Ritualism:
• Kabir was critical of
religious orthodoxy and
rituals of both Hindus and
Muslims.

• He rejected the authority

of the Vedas and the
Quran, and questioned
pilgrimages, fasts, and
animal sacrifices.
Equality and Brotherhood:
• Kabir opposed caste
discrimination, declaring
all humans equal
regardless of birth.

• He believed in universal
brotherhood, focusing on
love and compassion for
all beings.
Use of Poetry:
• Kabir’s teachings are
expressed in simple
couplets, known as
dohas,

• making spiritual ideas

accessible to the
masses.
Guru Nanak
(1469–1539) was
the founder of
Sikhism, and his
teachings laid the
foundation of the
Sikh faith.
 On God:
• Nanak believed in Ik Onkar
(One Supreme Reality) – God is
one, eternal, formless, and
present everywhere.

• His concept of God was beyond

gender and shape but could be
experienced through devotion
and meditation on the name of
God (Naam Simran).
Rejection of Ritualism:
• Guru Nanak criticized hollow
rituals, superstitions, and idol
worship in both Hinduism and
Islam.

• He preached the importance of

living a truthful life aligned
with divine principles rather
than relying on religious rites.
Equality and Social Justice:
• He advocated for the
equality of all people,
irrespective of caste,
creed, or gender.

• His emphasis on service

(seva) and communal
living (langar) fostered a
spirit of inclusiveness and
shared humanity.
 Spiritual Liberation:
• Nanak taught that liberation
(mukti) is achieved through
devotion to God, ethical living,
and remembering God
constantly.

• He emphasized Naam Japo

(meditating on God's name),
Kirat Karo (earning an honest
living), and Vand Chakko
(sharing with others).
Moral Living and Service:
• Nanak insisted that spiritual
progress must align with
ethical conduct, kindness,
and selfless service.

• He encouraged people to be
socially responsible, rejecting
asceticism in favor of living in
the world with righteous
conduct.
WRITE AN ESSAY ON THE
WARKARI MOVEMENT OF
MAHARASHTRA.
• The Warkari Movement is a socio-
religious movement that emerged in
Maharashtra around• The
the 13th century
and continues to flourish.

• It revolves around the worship of Lord

Vithoba (Vitthal), an incarnation of
Vishnu, whose temple is located in
Pandharpur. Below are the key
features of this movement:
 Bhakti (Devotion):
• Central to the movement is
pure devotion (bhakti)
towards Lord Vithoba.

• It emphasizes personal
connection with God
without the need for
intermediaries like priests.
Equality and Social Reform:
• The movement promotes
equality among all,
irrespective of caste,
gender, or social status.

• It was anti-casteist and

challenged Brahmanical
orthodoxy, advocating
that everyone is equal in
devotion.
Non-Violence and Simple Living:

• Warkaris lead a life of

simplicity, non-violence,
and vegetarianism.

• They emphasize
humility, contentment,
and a frugal lifestyle.
 Abhanga Literature:
• The Warkaris express
devotion through
Abhangas (devotional
songs) in Marathi.

• Saints like Sant Tukaram,

Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant
Namdev, and Eknath
played a crucial role in
composing these.
 Pilgrimage to Pandharpur:
• A key aspect of the movement
is the annual pilgrimage
(yatra) to the temple of Lord
Vithoba at Pandharpur.

• Devotees (Warkaris) walk

barefoot from various parts of
Maharashtra, chanting
bhajans and singing
abhangas.
Inclusivity and Collective Worship:

• The movement encourages

collective worship through
kirtans (devotional singing)
and bhajans, often
performed in groups.

• It brings people together in a

spirit of community and
fellowship.
Moral Discipline and
Code of Conduct:
• Warkaris follow a
disciplined lifestyle,
avoiding intoxicants and
immoral activities.

• They wear a tulsi mala

(basil bead necklace) and
chant the name of
Vithoba regularly.
 Opposition to Ritualism
and Idol Worship:
• While temples play a role,
the movement emphasizes
inner devotion over external
rituals.

• Saints taught that true

worship lies in good deeds
and ethical living rather than
elaborate rituals.
 Educational Influence and
Spread of Vernacular Learning:
• The movement
contributed to spreading
education by promoting
spiritual teachings and
values in the vernacular
language, Marathi.

• It made religious
teachings accessible to
the masses.
Continuity and Relevance:

• The movement is still

vibrant today, with lakhs
of devotees participating
in the Pandharpur yatra.

• It continues to influence
the cultural and religious
landscape of Maharashtra.