Delhi Sultanate Administration Explained
Delhi Sultanate Administration Explained
The Delhi Sultanate was one of the most important political systems in medieval Indian history. It existed for more than three centuries, from 1206 AD to 1526 AD, and laid the foundation of centralized governance in northern India. During this period, five dynasties ruled from Delhi, the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty, Khalji Dynasty, Tughlaq Dynasty, Sayyid Dynasty, and Lodi Dynasty.
To rule a vast and diverse region, the Delhi Sultans developed a well-organized administrative system. This administration was influenced by Islamic principles, Persian traditions, and local Indian practices. Over time, it became more structured and efficient.
1. Nature of the Delhi Sultanate State
The Delhi Sultanate was a centralized state with the Sultan as the supreme authority. The Sultan was not only the head of the government but also the chief commander of the army, the highest judicial authority, and the controller of revenue.
Although Islamic law (Sharia) influenced governance, the Sultans also made laws according to political needs. The administration aimed at maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, and protecting the empire from internal rebellions and external invasions.
2. Administrative Structure – Overview Diagram
The administration of the Delhi Sultanate was organized at three main levels: central, provincial, and local.
This hierarchical structure ensured that the Sultan’s authority reached even the smallest village.
3. Central Administration
3.1 The Sultan
The Sultan was the head of the state. His powers included:
- Making laws
- Appointing and dismissing officials
- Leading the army
- Administering justice
- Controlling state finances
In theory, the Sultan ruled according to Islamic principles, but in practice, he exercised absolute authority.
3.2 Council of Ministers and Departments
To assist the Sultan, several departments (Diwans) were created, each with defined responsibilities.
A. Diwan-i-Wizarat (Finance Department)
- Headed by the Wazir, who was the most important noble after the Sultan.
- Managed state revenue, expenditure, and treasury.
- Maintained financial records and supervised revenue officials.
Functions:
- Collection of land revenue
- Payment of salaries to officials and soldiers
- Management of state income and expenses
B. Diwan-i-Arz (Military Department)
- Headed by the Ariz-i-Mumalik.
- Responsible for the organization and maintenance of the army.
Functions:
- Recruitment of soldiers
- Maintenance of army records
- Payment of salaries
- Inspection of troops
Special measures such as branding of horses (dagh) and maintaining detailed soldier descriptions were introduced to prevent corruption.
C. Diwan-i-Qaza / Diwan-i-Risalat (Judicial and Religious Department)
- Headed by the Sadr-us-Sadr.
- Oversaw judicial matters and religious endowments.
Functions:
- Appointment of Qazis (judges)
- Administration of Islamic law
- Supervision of religious institutions
D. Diwan-i-Insha (Department of Correspondence)
- Managed official correspondence and royal orders.
- Drafted letters to governors and foreign rulers.
- Maintained records of state decisions.
E. Other Departments
- Diwan-i-Mazalim – dealt with public complaints against officials.
- Diwan-i-Waqoof – managed religious grants and endowments.
- Diwan-i-Riyasat – supervised markets and prices during certain reigns.
4. Provincial Administration
The Delhi Sultanate was divided into provinces called Iqtas.
4.1 The Iqta System
An Iqta was a territorial unit assigned to an official known as Iqta-dar or Muqti. The Muqti was responsible for:
- Collecting revenue
- Maintaining law and order
- Providing troops to the Sultan when required
The revenue collected was partly used for administration and the rest was sent to the central treasury.
4.2 Provincial Officials
The Sultan regularly transferred governors to prevent them from becoming too powerful.
5. Local Administration
Local administration was divided into Parganas and Villages.
5.1 Pargana Administration
A pargana was a group of villages.
Officials included:
- Amil – revenue officer
- Chaudhary – local headman
- Karkun – accountant
They ensured revenue collection and maintained order.
5.2 Village Administration
Villages were the smallest administrative units.
Key village officials:
- Muqaddam or Khut – village head
- Patwari – keeper of land records
Village administration continued to follow traditional customs and practices.
6. Military Administration
The Delhi Sultanate maintained a standing army, which was essential for:
- Suppressing rebellions
- Defending frontiers
- Expanding the empire
Types of Forces
- Central army under the Sultan
- Provincial troops under governors
Reforms under rulers like Alauddin Khalji strengthened military efficiency and discipline.
7. Revenue Administration
Revenue was the main source of income for the Sultanate.
7.1 Major Sources of Revenue
- Land revenue (Kharaj) – the most important source
- Jizya – tax on non-Muslims
- Trade taxes and other levies
7.2 Revenue Collection
- Revenue was collected through Iqta holders and local officials.
- Some rulers introduced direct collection from peasants to reduce corruption.
- Accurate land measurement and record-keeping were emphasized under efficient rulers.
8. Judicial Administration
Justice was administered through:
- Qazis in towns and cities
- Sadr-us-Sadr at the central level
Islamic law was applied to Muslims, while non-Muslims were often governed by local customs. The Sultan also held open courts to hear appeals.
9. Market and Economic Control
Some Sultans introduced strict market regulations.
Price Control Measures
- Fixed prices of essential goods
- Controlled markets
- Punished hoarders and black marketers
These measures were mainly introduced to support a large army and ensure economic stability.
10. Key Features of Delhi Sultanate Administration
- Strong centralized authority
- Well-defined administrative departments
- Efficient Iqta system
- Organized military administration
- Systematic revenue collection
- Judicial system based on Islamic law
- Continuation of local and village institutions
Conclusion
The administration of the Delhi Sultanate was one of the most advanced systems of medieval India. It combined central control with local administration, ensuring stability over a large territory. Despite challenges such as rebellions and invasions, the Sultanate maintained effective governance for over three centuries.
The administrative practices of the Delhi Sultanate influenced later rulers, especially the Mughals, and played a significant role in shaping India’s administrative traditions.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
