Correct Option
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
Assertion (A) states that the early Turkish administration in India was essentially military. This is accurate. Following the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, the primary focus of the new rulers was territorial consolidation, suppression of local resistance, and defense against external threats. Administrative functions, including law and order and revenue collection, were largely entrusted to military commanders and governors, reflecting a predominantly military character of the state in its initial phase.
Reason (R) states that the country was parceled out as 'Iqtas' among leading military leaders. This is also true. The Iqta system was a foundational administrative and land revenue system of the Delhi Sultanate. Under this system, conquered territories were divided into 'iqtas' (territorial assignments) which were granted to military officers (iqtadars). These iqtadars were responsible for maintaining troops, collecting revenue from their iqtas, and administering justice, thereby serving as regional military and civil administrators.
Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A) because the Iqta system directly contributed to the military nature of the administration. By assigning land and administrative responsibilities to military leaders, the Sultanate effectively decentralized its military power and administrative control through a network of military personnel. These iqtadars, being military men, ensured that the administration at the local and regional levels retained a strong military character, focused on maintaining order and loyalty through force.
Incorrect Options
Option 2 is incorrect because while both A and R are true, R directly explains why the early Turkish administration was military in nature. The Iqta system, by placing military leaders in charge of territorial administration, was central to this characteristic.
Option 3 is incorrect because Reason (R) is a historically accurate statement regarding the Iqta system, which was a cornerstone of early Turkish administration in India.
Option 4 is incorrect because Assertion (A) accurately describes the initial military-centric nature of the Turkish administration in India.