Q. During the reign of Alauddin Khilji, the social gatherings , including parties; marriages between the families of the nobles, etc. could not take place without permission of the Sultan. What was the major objective of such restriction?
Answer: A preventive measure for rebellions
Notes: Three successive rebellions- those of Akat Khan of Malik Umar and Mangu Khan, and of Haji or Sidi Maula- within a brief period convinced the Sultan to take strong measures for the prevention of such disturbances in the future. He took radical preventive measures. The first blow was aimed at accumulation of wealth by nobles and officials. All religious endowments and grants of lands (waqf and inam) by the state were revoked. Secondly, and elaborate system of espionage was organized. Thirdly, the sale and use of liquor and intoxicants was completely prohibited in delhi. Fourth restrictions and strong checks were put on social gatherings , including parties; marriages between the families of the nobles, etc. could not take place without the Sultan’s permission. He placed numerous curbs on their social mobility and interrelationships.