Consider the following statements :
In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as \'Amil\'.
The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
The office of \'Mir Bakshi\' came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2019)

Question

The correct answer is [A] 1 only. The Delhi Sultanate administrative system was a blend of Perso-Arabic traditions and local requirements.

Statement 1 (Correct): In the Delhi Sultanate, the \'Amil\' (also known as Shiqdar at the Pargana level) was the officer responsible for the collection of land revenue and measuring land to ensure tax compliance.
Statement 2 (Incorrect): The Iqta system was not an indigenous institution. It was a West Asian administrative practice (derived from the Islamic world) introduced in India by the Ilbari Turks, particularly organized by Iltutmish. It involved granting the right to collect revenue from a territory to officers (Muqtis/Iqtadars) in lieu of salary.
Statement 3 (Incorrect): The office of \'Mir Bakshi\' (the head of the military department) is associated with the Mughal administration, gaining prominence under Akbar. During the Delhi Sultanate, the military department was known as Diwan-i-Arz, headed by the Ariz-i-Mumalik.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

1 only The correct answer is [A] 1 only. The Delhi Sultanate administrative system was a blend of Perso-Arabic traditions and local requirements.

Statement 1 (Correct): In the Delhi Sultanate, the \'Amil\' (also known as Shiqdar at the Pargana level) was the officer responsible for the collection of land revenue and measuring land to ensure tax compliance.
Statement 2 (Incorrect): The Iqta system was not an indigenous institution. It was a West Asian administrative practice (derived from the Islamic world) introduced in India by the Ilbari Turks, particularly organized by Iltutmish. It involved granting the right to collect revenue from a territory to officers (Muqtis/Iqtadars) in lieu of salary.
Statement 3 (Incorrect): The office of \'Mir Bakshi\' (the head of the military department) is associated with the Mughal administration, gaining prominence under Akbar. During the Delhi Sultanate, the military department was known as Diwan-i-Arz, headed by the Ariz-i-Mumalik.

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