MEDIEVAL HISTORY
16. (FOURTEENTH CENTURY ) “The Khalji Revolution”
- Alauddin Khalji: Conquests and territorial expansion,
agrarian and economic measures
“The Khalji Revolution” - Alauddin Khalji: Conquests and territorial expansion, agrarian
and economic measures
Khilji Dynasty
Khilji Revolution
The emergence of Khilji dynasty on the throne of Delhi symbolised the beginning of a new phase in the
history of Turko-Afghan rule in India because the Khilji sultans pursued new ideas in policies.
The Khiljis were of low origin, though they were originally Turk, but from low clan of Turks. The
establishment of the rule of such people of low origin was a revolutionary development. The principle of
aristocracy pursued by Balban got shattered under Khiljis.
They did not differentiate among the Muslims on the basis of race and culture.
Sultan Alauddin Khilji emphasized on the principle of strength.He proclaimed that anybody could become
Sultan on the basis of his strength.The principle of semi-divine origin of monarchy got shattered under
Khiljis.
A no. of innovations and reforms were witnessed during Khiljis. Alauddin Khilji introduced reforms in
administration, military, revenue system and market. Emphasis on separation of religion from politics was
also an important change witnessed during Khilji period.Alauddin Khilji did not allow Ulemas to interfere in
politico-administrative matters.He clearly told that the political matters are prerogative of Sultans only and
Ulemas must limit themselves to religious activities.
Imperialism emerged as a dominant force during Khilji period.Alauddin Khilji believed that territorial
expansion is an important responsibility of Sultan.He was convinced that the interest of different states clash
with each other and therefore the powerful Sultan must carry out territorial expansion.
A no. of well-planned military campaign were organised by Alauddin Khilji and almost whole of Indian
subcontinent successfully subjugated.
The imperialist ambitions of Alauddin Khilji were so high that he wanted to undertake world conquest like
Alexander.His title of Sikander-i-Sani (2nd Alexander) indicates the same.This idea of world conquest was
discussed by Alauddin Khilji with his trusted friend Ala-ul-Mulk, the Kotwal of Delhi.
Historian Barani says that with the accession of the Khaljis, the empire passed from the hands of the
Turks.But the Khalji revolution had negative sides as well. It gave too much emphasis over the military
,aspect of the government and there was vigorous expansion. In spite of limitations, Khalji revolution
implied the beginning of a new era.
Administrative Reforms of Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji was not only the successful military conquerer, but at the same time, he was an efficient
administrator as well.During his reign of about 2 decades, he initiated a no. of reforms to impose the functioning of
politico-administrative system.After sitting on throne (1296-1316), Alauddin analyzed the causes behind the
recurring revolts and rebellions.He also looked into the factors responsible for various other challenges emerging
against Sultan.
After analysis of all possible causes, Alauddin Khilji came to conclusion-
a) Presence of excess wealth make the people rebellious.
b) The failure of Sultan to pay proper attention to various developments taking place in state also encouraged
rebellions.
c) The practice of using winewas also found to be an important factor behind the recurring revolts and
rebellions.He felt that the people forget their real status under the influence of alcohol and start believing that they
can challenge the authority of Sultan.
d) The practice ofmatrimonial relationship among nobles was also found to be responsible for revolts because
through such relations, nobles form alliances.
To counter these challenges, Alauddin Khilji issued ordinances which are also known as his administrative regulations.
a) Through first ordinance, excess wealth lying with the people was taken away.The free grants such as Inaam, Idrar giv
b) Through second ordinance, spy system was recognised . Spies were appointed throughout the Sultanate to keep a cl
c) Through third ordinance, prohibition of wine was imposed.Alauddin Khilji himself gave up wine to set an example.
d) The fourth provision was issued to prohibit intermarriages within the nobles.WITHOUT SULTAN PERMISSION
Revenue Reforms of Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji initiated a no. of reforms in revenue system during his reign.These reforms were initiated to
mobilise maximum possible resources to mobilise maximum possible resources so that a large army could be
maintained.
The revenue reforms were introduced in Doab region at first because it was located close to capital, where
Sultan could supervise their implementation personally.
Intermediaries were strongest in Doab region.They needed to be suppressed to maintain peace and stability.
Details of Reforms
A new system of land revenue assessment was introduced.
, In this, the amount of revenue was estimated through survey and measurement.It was known as Masahat
system.
The rate of land revenue was increased to 50% of produce.
The intermediaries were also asked to pay the land revenue for their land at normal rate. New taxes known
as 'Ghari' (house tax), 'Charai' (grazing tax) were imposed.
Rate of Khums was increased to 4/5th.
Honest senior officials were appointed in revenue department.
Alauddin Khilji himself used to check up the papers of Patwari occassionally.
Corrupt officials were punished seriously.
According to Berni (Tarikh-i-Ferozshahi), the fear of punishment of Sultan was so intense that nobody used to
marry his daughter to a revenue official.
Economic reforms of AlaunddinKhalji:
Land Revenue reform: Alaunddin undertook stern measures and reconstructed the revenue
administration. Barani’s account has given significant information about such measure. The main
reason behind such measures were to put check on the power of arrogant intermediaries.
The measures taken by him were as follows:
Expanded Khalisa: The area in closer association with the government in the area extending
from Dipalpur and Lahore to Kara near modern Allahabad were brought under Khalisa.
Thus, these areas were not assigned to any of the nobles as Iqta.
The land was to be measured (masahat), Bishwa was the basis unit and the land revenue
fixed on the yield of each unit of the area. Determination of produce per Bishwa was known
as wafa-ibiswa. Most probably, it was levied separately on the holding of each individual
cultivator.
The intermediaries and the peasants alike were to pay the same standard of the demand
(50%) without any distinction, be they intermediaries or ’ordinary peasant’ (balahar).
He also levied Kharaj, Jazia, Karai-Gharia-Charai on peasants.
The perquisites of intermediaries were disallowed.The grazing and the house tax (Ghari)
were to be taken from the intermediaries also.
Privileges of Khots, Muqaddam, Choudhary etc. were abolished. And they were brought
under new system.
o Impact of land revenue reform: 50% demand was the highest in the agrarian history of India.
▪ Though the peasants were protected now from the economic oppression of the intermediaries, the former
had to pay a higher rate of taxation than they did earlier.
, ▪ Since the rate was uniform in a sense it was a regressive taxation.
▪ Thus,the state gain edatthe cost of the intermediaries,leaving the peasants in the lurch.It is ’true that the
intermediaries were eliminated from direct revenue collection. but they were still expected to maintain law
and order in the countryside and help the revenue officials without any remuneration or perquisites.
▪ The
state’s direct relations with the peasants resulted in an expansion of revenue officials called variously
’ummal, mutasarrif, mushrif, muhassilan, navisindagan, etc. Soon, large scale corruption and
embezzlements surfaced among the revenue officials for which they were ruthlessly punished by the naib
wazir. About 8 to 10 thousand officials were imprisoned.
ordinances mentioned by Barani which Alauddin Khalji promulgated for market control.
Alauddin is credited for issuing a set of seven regulations whichcame to be known as market- control
measures. Barani, who is our main source on this aspect is the only authority who gives these regulations in
detail.
Following are the seven sets of regulations issued by Alauddin Khalji :-
Regulation 1
The Sultan fixed the prices of all commodities from grain to cloth, slaves, cattle, etc. These prices were
really to be enforced since the Sultan carefully made all arrangements for making the measure a success.
Regulation 2
A controller of market (shahna-i mandi), barids (intelligence officers) and munhiyan (secret spies) were
appointed.
Regulation 3
The Sultan established granaries in Delhi and in Chhain in Rajasthan. The land tax from the khalisa in the
Doab was realised in kind. The grain went to the state granaries.
Regulation 4
The grain merchants were placed under the shahna-i mandi and sureties were taken from them.
Regulation 5
Regrating (Ihtikar) was prohibited.
Regulation 6
Obviously, the grain merchants could bring supplies to the market only if they could get the grains and that,
too, at sufficiently low prices. It was apparently for this reason that the Sultan decreed such a rigour in
realization of land revenue in the Doab that the peasants should be forced to sell the grain to the Carvanian
(the grain merchants)at the side of the field.
Regulation 7
The Sultan himself was to receive daily reports separately from three sources i.e. A controller of market
16. (FOURTEENTH CENTURY ) “The Khalji Revolution”
- Alauddin Khalji: Conquests and territorial expansion,
agrarian and economic measures
“The Khalji Revolution” - Alauddin Khalji: Conquests and territorial expansion, agrarian
and economic measures
Khilji Dynasty
Khilji Revolution
The emergence of Khilji dynasty on the throne of Delhi symbolised the beginning of a new phase in the
history of Turko-Afghan rule in India because the Khilji sultans pursued new ideas in policies.
The Khiljis were of low origin, though they were originally Turk, but from low clan of Turks. The
establishment of the rule of such people of low origin was a revolutionary development. The principle of
aristocracy pursued by Balban got shattered under Khiljis.
They did not differentiate among the Muslims on the basis of race and culture.
Sultan Alauddin Khilji emphasized on the principle of strength.He proclaimed that anybody could become
Sultan on the basis of his strength.The principle of semi-divine origin of monarchy got shattered under
Khiljis.
A no. of innovations and reforms were witnessed during Khiljis. Alauddin Khilji introduced reforms in
administration, military, revenue system and market. Emphasis on separation of religion from politics was
also an important change witnessed during Khilji period.Alauddin Khilji did not allow Ulemas to interfere in
politico-administrative matters.He clearly told that the political matters are prerogative of Sultans only and
Ulemas must limit themselves to religious activities.
Imperialism emerged as a dominant force during Khilji period.Alauddin Khilji believed that territorial
expansion is an important responsibility of Sultan.He was convinced that the interest of different states clash
with each other and therefore the powerful Sultan must carry out territorial expansion.
A no. of well-planned military campaign were organised by Alauddin Khilji and almost whole of Indian
subcontinent successfully subjugated.
The imperialist ambitions of Alauddin Khilji were so high that he wanted to undertake world conquest like
Alexander.His title of Sikander-i-Sani (2nd Alexander) indicates the same.This idea of world conquest was
discussed by Alauddin Khilji with his trusted friend Ala-ul-Mulk, the Kotwal of Delhi.
Historian Barani says that with the accession of the Khaljis, the empire passed from the hands of the
Turks.But the Khalji revolution had negative sides as well. It gave too much emphasis over the military
,aspect of the government and there was vigorous expansion. In spite of limitations, Khalji revolution
implied the beginning of a new era.
Administrative Reforms of Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji was not only the successful military conquerer, but at the same time, he was an efficient
administrator as well.During his reign of about 2 decades, he initiated a no. of reforms to impose the functioning of
politico-administrative system.After sitting on throne (1296-1316), Alauddin analyzed the causes behind the
recurring revolts and rebellions.He also looked into the factors responsible for various other challenges emerging
against Sultan.
After analysis of all possible causes, Alauddin Khilji came to conclusion-
a) Presence of excess wealth make the people rebellious.
b) The failure of Sultan to pay proper attention to various developments taking place in state also encouraged
rebellions.
c) The practice of using winewas also found to be an important factor behind the recurring revolts and
rebellions.He felt that the people forget their real status under the influence of alcohol and start believing that they
can challenge the authority of Sultan.
d) The practice ofmatrimonial relationship among nobles was also found to be responsible for revolts because
through such relations, nobles form alliances.
To counter these challenges, Alauddin Khilji issued ordinances which are also known as his administrative regulations.
a) Through first ordinance, excess wealth lying with the people was taken away.The free grants such as Inaam, Idrar giv
b) Through second ordinance, spy system was recognised . Spies were appointed throughout the Sultanate to keep a cl
c) Through third ordinance, prohibition of wine was imposed.Alauddin Khilji himself gave up wine to set an example.
d) The fourth provision was issued to prohibit intermarriages within the nobles.WITHOUT SULTAN PERMISSION
Revenue Reforms of Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji initiated a no. of reforms in revenue system during his reign.These reforms were initiated to
mobilise maximum possible resources to mobilise maximum possible resources so that a large army could be
maintained.
The revenue reforms were introduced in Doab region at first because it was located close to capital, where
Sultan could supervise their implementation personally.
Intermediaries were strongest in Doab region.They needed to be suppressed to maintain peace and stability.
Details of Reforms
A new system of land revenue assessment was introduced.
, In this, the amount of revenue was estimated through survey and measurement.It was known as Masahat
system.
The rate of land revenue was increased to 50% of produce.
The intermediaries were also asked to pay the land revenue for their land at normal rate. New taxes known
as 'Ghari' (house tax), 'Charai' (grazing tax) were imposed.
Rate of Khums was increased to 4/5th.
Honest senior officials were appointed in revenue department.
Alauddin Khilji himself used to check up the papers of Patwari occassionally.
Corrupt officials were punished seriously.
According to Berni (Tarikh-i-Ferozshahi), the fear of punishment of Sultan was so intense that nobody used to
marry his daughter to a revenue official.
Economic reforms of AlaunddinKhalji:
Land Revenue reform: Alaunddin undertook stern measures and reconstructed the revenue
administration. Barani’s account has given significant information about such measure. The main
reason behind such measures were to put check on the power of arrogant intermediaries.
The measures taken by him were as follows:
Expanded Khalisa: The area in closer association with the government in the area extending
from Dipalpur and Lahore to Kara near modern Allahabad were brought under Khalisa.
Thus, these areas were not assigned to any of the nobles as Iqta.
The land was to be measured (masahat), Bishwa was the basis unit and the land revenue
fixed on the yield of each unit of the area. Determination of produce per Bishwa was known
as wafa-ibiswa. Most probably, it was levied separately on the holding of each individual
cultivator.
The intermediaries and the peasants alike were to pay the same standard of the demand
(50%) without any distinction, be they intermediaries or ’ordinary peasant’ (balahar).
He also levied Kharaj, Jazia, Karai-Gharia-Charai on peasants.
The perquisites of intermediaries were disallowed.The grazing and the house tax (Ghari)
were to be taken from the intermediaries also.
Privileges of Khots, Muqaddam, Choudhary etc. were abolished. And they were brought
under new system.
o Impact of land revenue reform: 50% demand was the highest in the agrarian history of India.
▪ Though the peasants were protected now from the economic oppression of the intermediaries, the former
had to pay a higher rate of taxation than they did earlier.
, ▪ Since the rate was uniform in a sense it was a regressive taxation.
▪ Thus,the state gain edatthe cost of the intermediaries,leaving the peasants in the lurch.It is ’true that the
intermediaries were eliminated from direct revenue collection. but they were still expected to maintain law
and order in the countryside and help the revenue officials without any remuneration or perquisites.
▪ The
state’s direct relations with the peasants resulted in an expansion of revenue officials called variously
’ummal, mutasarrif, mushrif, muhassilan, navisindagan, etc. Soon, large scale corruption and
embezzlements surfaced among the revenue officials for which they were ruthlessly punished by the naib
wazir. About 8 to 10 thousand officials were imprisoned.
ordinances mentioned by Barani which Alauddin Khalji promulgated for market control.
Alauddin is credited for issuing a set of seven regulations whichcame to be known as market- control
measures. Barani, who is our main source on this aspect is the only authority who gives these regulations in
detail.
Following are the seven sets of regulations issued by Alauddin Khalji :-
Regulation 1
The Sultan fixed the prices of all commodities from grain to cloth, slaves, cattle, etc. These prices were
really to be enforced since the Sultan carefully made all arrangements for making the measure a success.
Regulation 2
A controller of market (shahna-i mandi), barids (intelligence officers) and munhiyan (secret spies) were
appointed.
Regulation 3
The Sultan established granaries in Delhi and in Chhain in Rajasthan. The land tax from the khalisa in the
Doab was realised in kind. The grain went to the state granaries.
Regulation 4
The grain merchants were placed under the shahna-i mandi and sureties were taken from them.
Regulation 5
Regrating (Ihtikar) was prohibited.
Regulation 6
Obviously, the grain merchants could bring supplies to the market only if they could get the grains and that,
too, at sufficiently low prices. It was apparently for this reason that the Sultan decreed such a rigour in
realization of land revenue in the Doab that the peasants should be forced to sell the grain to the Carvanian
(the grain merchants)at the side of the field.
Regulation 7
The Sultan himself was to receive daily reports separately from three sources i.e. A controller of market
