Consider the following statements regarding the taxes levied during the Delhi Sultanate: 1. Kharaj was a tax on cattle. 2. There was a specific tax on houses. 3. Zakat was collected from Muslims. 4. Jizyah was a tax on non-Muslims. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is (b). Explanation The fiscal administration of the Delhi Sultanate was largely based on the Hanafi school of Islamic law, which prescribed specific taxes. However, individual Sultans, particularly Alauddin Khalji, introduced administrative reforms and additional levies to increase state revenue and maintain a large standing army. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Kharaj was not a tax on cattle; it was the land revenue tax collected from non-Muslim cultivators. It typically ranged from one-third to half of the produce (as raised by Alauddin Khalji). The tax on cattle or pasture lands was known as Charai. - Statement 2 is Correct: During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, two new specific taxes were introduced to maximize revenue. One was Ghari (tax on houses/dwellings), and the other was Charai (tax on milch cattle/pasture). - Statement 3 is Correct: Zakat was a religious tax collected exclusively from wealthy Muslims. It was generally levied at 2.5% of the property/wealth and was intended for the welfare of the Muslim community or religious purposes. - Statement 4 is Correct: Jizyah was a poll tax levied on non-Muslims (Zimmis) in return for the protection of their lives and property and exemption from military service. In the early Sultanate, it was often collected along with Kharaj, but Firoz Shah Tughlaq later made it a separate tax. Key Takeaway: The four major taxes sanctioned by Islamic law during the Sultanate were Kharaj (land tax), Khams (war booty), Jizyah (poll tax on non-Muslims), and Zakat (religious tax on Muslims). Alauddin Khalji added Ghari (house tax) and Charai (pasture tax).

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 3: Delhi: 12th to 15th Century

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the taxes levied during the Delhi Sultanate:

Kharaj was a tax on cattle.
There was a specific tax on houses.
Zakat was collected from Muslims.
Jizyah was a tax on non-Muslims.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The fiscal administration of the Delhi Sultanate was largely based on the Hanafi school of Islamic law, which prescribed specific taxes. However, individual Sultans, particularly Alauddin Khalji, introduced administrative reforms and additional levies to increase state revenue and maintain a large standing army.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Kharaj was not a tax on cattle; it was the land revenue tax collected from non-Muslim cultivators. It typically ranged from one-third to half of the produce (as raised by Alauddin Khalji). The tax on cattle or pasture lands was known as Charai.
Statement 2 is Correct: During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, two new specific taxes were introduced to maximize revenue. One was Ghari (tax on houses/dwellings), and the other was Charai (tax on milch cattle/pasture).
Statement 3 is Correct: Zakat was a religious tax collected exclusively from wealthy Muslims. It was generally levied at 2.5% of the property/wealth and was intended for the welfare of the Muslim community or religious purposes.
Statement 4 is Correct: Jizyah was a poll tax levied on non-Muslims (Zimmis) in return for the protection of their lives and property and exemption from military service. In the early Sultanate, it was often collected along with Kharaj, but Firoz Shah Tughlaq later made it a separate tax.

Key Takeaway:
The four major taxes sanctioned by Islamic law during the Sultanate were Kharaj (land tax), Khams (war booty), Jizyah (poll tax on non-Muslims), and Zakat (religious tax on Muslims). Alauddin Khalji added Ghari (house tax) and Charai (pasture tax).

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Delhi: 12th to 15th Century

With reference to the history of Delhi as an urban centre, consider the following statements: 1. Delhi first became the capital of a kingdom under the Tomara Rajputs. 2. It became an important commercial centre only after the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in the thirteenth century. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the "Circle of Justice" described by Fakhr-i Mudabbir, consider the following statements: 1. It emphasized that the king's survival was independent of the peasantry's prosperity. 2. It implied that soldiers' salaries come from the revenue collected from peasants. 3. It suggested that justice and honest governance were essential for revenue collection. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the institution of bandagan under the early Delhi Sultans: 1. They were special slaves purchased specifically for military service. 2. Sultan Iltutmish removed them from all important political offices. 3. Unlike sons, they were considered less reliable because they lacked royal blood. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate, consider the following statements regarding iqtas and muqtis: 1. The iqta was a territorial assignment given to military commanders. 2. The office of the muqti was made hereditary to ensure stability in the provinces. 3. The muqtis were solely responsible for revenue collection and had no military or administrative duties. 4. Accountants were appointed by the state to check the revenue collected by the muqtis. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

hard

Consider the following statements regarding the taxation system under the Delhi Sultanate: 1. Kharaj was a tax on cultivation amounting to about 50 per cent of the peasant’s produce. 2. Zakat was a tax levied exclusively on non-Muslim subjects. 3. Taxes were also levied on cattle and houses. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Kharaj was not a tax on cattle; it was the land revenue tax collected from non-Muslim cultivators. It typically ranged from one-third to half of the produce (as raised by Alauddin Khalji). The tax on cattle or pasture lands was known as Charai.
Statement 2 is Correct: During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, two new specific taxes were introduced to maximize revenue. One was Ghari (tax on houses/dwellings), and the other was Charai (tax on milch cattle/pasture).
Statement 3 is Correct: Zakat was a religious tax collected exclusively from wealthy Muslims. It was generally levied at 2.5% of the property/wealth and was intended for the welfare of the Muslim community or religious purposes.
Statement 4 is Correct: Jizyah was a poll tax levied on non-Muslims (Zimmis) in return for the protection of their lives and property and exemption from military service. In the early Sultanate, it was often collected along with Kharaj, but Firoz Shah Tughlaq later made it a separate tax.