Correct Option
The correct option is 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation
The administration of the Delhi Sultanate was characterized by specific Persian terminologies for revenue collection, military organization, and provincial governance. Understanding these terms is essential to comprehending the economic and political structure of the Sultanate.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct.
Kharaj was the land tax or tax on cultivation levied on non-Muslim subjects. It was a major source of revenue for the state. During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, the Kharaj was increased to 50% of the produce. - Statement 2 is Correct.
Bandagan (singular: banda) is a Persian term for special slaves purchased for military service. Early Sultans, particularly Iltutmish, favored them because they were totally dependent on their master and thus considered more trustworthy than the landed aristocracy. - Statement 3 is Incorrect.
Khums referred to the state's share of the war booty (spoils of war). Traditionally, the state kept one-fifth (20%) and distributed four-fifths (80%) to the soldiers, though rulers like Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq reversed this ratio. The tax on houses was known as Ghari, and the tax on pasture land was known as Charai. - Statement 4 is Correct.
Muqti (or Wali) was the holder of an Iqta (land assignment). The duty of the Muqti was to lead military campaigns, maintain law and order in their Iqta, and collect revenues to pay their soldiers and send the surplus (fawazil) to the Sultan.
Key Takeaway
Khums is a tax on war booty, whereas Ghari is a tax on houses. Bandagan were military slaves crucial to the early Sultanate administration, and Muqtis were provincial governors managing the Iqta system.