Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the ‘Iqta’ system:
- It was introduced in India by the Delhi Sultanate.
- The holder of an Iqta was called a Muqti or Wali.
- The holder of an ‘Iqta’ had to collect land revenue from the assigned area and out of the revenue collected they were expected to meet the salaries due to the soldiers.
- Iqta system was also adopted by the Mughals.
Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer:
Only 1, 2, and 3
Notes: When the Turks conquered the country and set up the Delhi Sultanate, they divided their area of control into a number of tracts called ‘Iqtas’. The Iqtadars, the holder of this land grant, was transferrable. This was the key difference between the previous Indian feudal model and the new system. Iqtadar enjoyed no personal legal right over the allotted Iqta. In letter and spirit, it belonged to the Sultan. Iqtadar was to simply maintain law & order, collect land revenue and maintain the designated number of soldiers and horses. This system was new in India. So, statement 1 is correct. These tracts were parceled out among the leading Turkish nobles. The holders of these Iqtas were called Muqtis or Walis. Later, these Iqtas were to become the basis of provinces or Subahs. We are told that under Muhammad bin Tughlaq there were twenty four provinces stretching up to Malabar in south. So, statement 2 is correct. The Iqta system was meant to balance the ‘need for stability’ of the Sultanate and the ‘ambitions of nobles’. So, in the beginning, out of the total land revenue collected from the allotted Iqta, a Muqti simply had to meet the expenses of his force and keep the balance amount as his income. But, as the Sultanate became stronger and gained experience, it began to control Muqtis more closely. It began to assess the annual income of Iqta, to fix the salary of soldiers and Muqtis, and to insist on remission of the balance income (fawazil) after meeting the expenditure of forces and personal salary. So, statement 3 is correct. Mughals did not adopt the Iqta system. Although, Iqta system was better than the previous feudal model prevalent in India, it had its own limitations. So, the Mughal improvised on the Iqta system and developed their ‘Mansabdari’ system. So, statement 4 is incorrect.