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:

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation The Iqta system was a central administrative institution of the Delhi Sultanate. It involved the assignment of revenue from a specific territory (iqta) to nobles and military commanders (muqtis or walis) in lieu of cash salaries. This system facilitated the maintenance of a large standing army and the administration of vast territories. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The iqta was a territorial assignment granted to military commanders. The revenue collected from the assigned land was used by the muqti to meet his personal expenses and, more importantly, to maintain the required quota of troops and horses for the Sultan's service. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The office of the muqti was not hereditary. To prevent the consolidation of local power and potential rebellion, Sultans (especially Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughluq) frequently transferred muqtis from one region to another. The assignment was temporary and depended on the Sultan's will. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The muqtis had significant military and administrative duties alongside revenue collection. They were responsible for maintaining law and order in their iqtas, suppressing rebellions, and providing military contingents to the Sultan when required. Revenue collection was the means to support these functions, not the sole responsibility. - Statement 4 is Correct: The central administration maintained strict checks on the muqtis. Accountants were appointed by the state to audit the revenue records. This ensured that the muqtis collected only the authorized taxes and maintained the stipulated number of soldiers without misappropriating funds. Key Takeaway: The Iqta system was a non-hereditary, transferable revenue assignment that integrated military service with revenue administration, subject to central audit to prevent the emergence of independent feudal lords.

With reference to the administrative system of the Delhi… - NCERT Class 7 History MCQ

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

mcqhard

With reference to the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate, consider the following statements regarding iqtas and muqtis:

The iqta was a territorial assignment given to military commanders.
The office of the muqti was made hereditary to ensure stability in the provinces.
The muqtis were solely responsible for revenue collection and had no military or administrative duties.
Accountants were appointed by the state to check the revenue collected by the muqtis.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -2 · Page 35

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

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Iqta system was a central administrative institution of the Delhi Sultanate. It involved the assignment of revenue from a specific territory (iqta) to nobles and military commanders (muqtis or walis) in lieu of cash salaries. This system facilitated the maintenance of a large standing army and the administration of vast territories.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The iqta was a territorial assignment granted to military commanders. The revenue collected from the assigned land was used by the muqti to meet his personal expenses and, more importantly, to maintain the required quota of troops and horses for the Sultan's service.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The office of the muqti was not hereditary. To prevent the consolidation of local power and potential rebellion, Sultans (especially Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughluq) frequently transferred muqtis from one region to another. The assignment was temporary and depended on the Sultan's will.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The muqtis had significant military and administrative duties alongside revenue collection. They were responsible for maintaining law and order in their iqtas, suppressing rebellions, and providing military contingents to the Sultan when required. Revenue collection was the means to support these functions, not the sole responsibility.
Statement 4 is Correct: The central administration maintained strict checks on the muqtis. Accountants were appointed by the state to audit the revenue records. This ensured that the muqtis collected only the authorized taxes and maintained the stipulated number of soldiers without misappropriating funds.

Key Takeaway: The Iqta system was a non-hereditary, transferable revenue assignment that integrated military service with revenue administration, subject to central audit to prevent the emergence of independent feudal lords.

Your note

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

Compare the inscriptions of Raziyya Sultan and Rudramadevi. Which of the following statements is correct? 1. Raziyya mentioned on her inscriptions that she was the daughter of Sultan Iltutmish. 2. Rudramadevi proudly proclaimed her female identity in all her inscriptions.

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With reference to the iqta system, consider the following statements: 1. The holders of iqtas were called iqtadar or muqti. 2. They were paid cash salaries directly from the royal treasury. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the language of administration under the Delhi Sultans, consider the following statements: 1. Persian was the language of administration. 2. The tawarikh were written in Arabic. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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