Administrative Structure of the Sultanate
Administrative Structure of the Sultanate Hello Mumbai University TYBA IDOL students! Today, we’re diving into the medieval history of India in this chapter – “Administrative Structure of the Sultanate”. Focusing on the administrative setup of the Delhi Sultanate from 1000 to 1526 CE. Imagine stepping back in time to explore how the government worked and made decisions during this period. We’ll be talking about the jobs of important people like deputies or “naibs” and understanding how justice was handled in those days. Now, let’s uncover a unique concept called the “Iqta” system and learn about the significant role of “Muqtis” within it. We’ll also peek into the central government’s structure and discover what ministries were in charge of running the show. Along the way, we’ll encounter Alauddin Khilji’s interesting market regulations and Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s public works. In a nutshell, get ready for an exciting journey into the past, where we’ll unravel stories of rulers, their decisions, and the daily workings of the Delhi Sultanate. It’s all about making history simple and enjoyable for everyone! So, Mumbai University TYBA IDOL students, get ready to learn about –”Administrative Structure of the Sultanate” with customized idol notes just for you. Let’s jump into this exploration together QUESTION 1:- What were the responsibilities of the deputy or naib? The post of deputy sultan or naib was not a common appointment, and it was usually assigned to a powerful noble. The naib enjoyed all the powers of the sultan and exercised control over the different departments on behalf of the sultan. He was usually a capable military commander. The naib’s responsibilities included governing the state when the sultan was weak or incapable of governing, or when the sultan was a minor. The naib also acted as a check on the powers of the nobility and ensured that they did not become powerful military leaders who could put their own nominees on the throne or succeed the ruler themselves. QUESTION 2 :- How was the judicial administration was done during Sultanate? Introduction: The judicial administration during the Sultanate period was a vital aspect of governance, overseen directly by the sultan, who was considered the ultimate source of justice in the realm. The responsibility of upholding and maintaining the Shariat, the fundamental law in an Islamic state, rested on the shoulders of the sultan. The department responsible for justice, known as Diwani-i-Qaza, played a pivotal role in ensuring a fair and Islamic-based legal framework. Judicial Administration: Sultan’s Role: The sultan held the central role in the judicial system, being the final authority responsible for justice in the Sultanate. The upholding of the Shariat, the basic law in an Islamic state, was a key duty of the sultan. Diwani-i-Qaza: The justice department, Diwani-i-Qaza, managed and executed the Sultanate’s judicial affairs. All appointments to various judicial positions were made by the sultan to ensure control and adherence to principles. Decision-Making Process: For matters related to religious affairs, the sultan sought guidance from the Sadr-us-Sadur and the mufti. Cases of a secular nature were resolved with the assistance of the Qazi-ul-Quzat, known as the Chief Justice. Chief Qazi’s Role: The Chief Justice, or Qazi-ul-Quzat, supervised and controlled lower judges in the provinces. This ensured the proper administration of justice and maintained consistency in legal decisions. Treatment of Hindus and Muslims: The judicial system aimed at treating Hindus and Muslims equally in criminal cases. For matters like marriage and inheritance, especially for non-Muslims like Hindus, customary laws were followed, respecting the diversity within the society. Conclusion: The judicial system of the Sultanate period was intricately designed to maintain justice according to Islamic principles. The sultan, as the focal point, actively participated in decision-making, appointing key officials to ensure the system’s effectiveness. The inclusion of both religious and secular authorities in the process reflected a balanced approach. Moreover, the system aimed for equality between Hindus and Muslims in criminal cases, while acknowledging and respecting customary laws for social matters. This fair and diverse judicial administration was fundamental to the governance of the Sultanate. QUESTION 3 :- What was the meaning of Iqta ? The term “Iqta” refers to a land or revenue assignment made by a ruler to an individual in lieu of the service rendered to the state during the Sultanate period. QUESTION 4 :- Comment on the position of Muqti Introduction: In the Medieval Sultanate period of India, the Muqti played a crucial role as a powerful military commander. Appointed to manage an Iqta, the Muqti had important responsibilities, including collecting revenue, maintaining law and order, and providing military support to the sultan. However, it’s worth noting that despite the Muqti’s authority, they didn’t actually own the land in the Iqta. The land belonged to the state, and the Muqti’s position was subject to the sultan’s approval. This meant that the Muqti’s authority and tenure were dependent on the sultan’s decision and could be taken away if the sultan was displeased or found it necessary. Muqti’s Role in Simple Terms: Think of the Muqti like a skilled general in a video game. They’re in charge of a particular area, collecting coins (revenue), making sure everyone follows the rules (maintaining law and order), and sending troops when needed (providing military service to the sultan). However, just like in the game, the Muqti doesn’t own the land; it’s like playing on a shared map controlled by the game’s creator (the sultan). Land Ownership and Sultan’s Role: Picture the Muqti’s Iqta land as a piece of the game world. Even though the Muqti is the one playing on that land, the game’s creator (sultan) is the owner. The Muqti’s ability to keep playing on that land is up to the game’s creator’s decision. If the game’s creator isn’t happy or thinks someone else could do a better job, they might take control back. Conclusion: In a nutshell, during the Sultanate period, the Muqti was like a skilled player in charge
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