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Difficulty: MediumMedieval Indian Dynasties, Administration, and Regional Kingdoms

With reference to the agrarian administration and economic initiatives undertaken during the Delhi Sultanate, consider the following statements:

1. Muhammad bin Tughlaq established a dedicated agricultural department known as 'Diwan-i-Amir-i-Kohi' to bring uncultivated land under farming.
2. The state advanced direct agricultural loans known as 'Sondhar' to peasants for purchasing seeds, livestock, and digging wells.
3. The 'Dahsala' system of land revenue assessment was introduced during this era to fix tax demand based on ten-year crop yield averages.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

The correct statements are 1 and 2 only.
The statement specifying '1 and 2 only' is correct. Muhammad bin Tughlaq created 'Diwan-i-Amir-i-Kohi' to extend cultivated land and distributed state loans ('Sondhar') to peasants. The 'Dahsala' system was introduced much later during Akbar's reign by Raja Todar Mal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1
Statement 1 is correct.
Muhammad bin Tughlaq instituted a specialized agricultural ministry called 'Diwan-i-Amir-i-Kohi' aimed at expanding cultivated areas and improving crop yields.
2
Analyze Statement 2
Statement 2 is correct.
To support distressed peasantry and encourage farming on new lands, the Tughlaq state provided financial assistance and emergency agricultural credit termed 'Sondhar' or 'Taccavi'.
3
Analyze Statement 3
Statement 3 is incorrect.
The 'Dahsala' (or Ain-i-Dahsala) system was formulated in 1580 CE by Raja Todar Mal during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, not during the Delhi Sultanate.

Key Concept

Delhi Sultanate Agrarian Administration and Tughlaq Revenue Reforms
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Topics

Medieval Indian Dynasties, Administration, and Regional Kingdoms

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