Question

What was Iqta in the sultanate period?
A. Territories of land
B. A Tax
C. A form of military
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The Iqta system started outside India in Persia (Iran) region and in Western Asia. First Iqta in India - the region of Hansi (Haryana) given by Muhammad Gauri to Kutubuddin Aibak in form of an Iqta. Under the Iqta system, the land was divided into large and small tracts known as Iqtas.

Complete answer: Iqta system initiated with the requirement of early Turkish Sultans.Areas of sultanate located away from the capital, which was not easy for revenue collection, given as iqta by Sultan. Iqta was provided in exchange for administration and military service of the Sultan. Two categories of Iqtas- During reigns of Ala-ud-din-Khilji, the Iqtas were divided into two categories-
-Iqtas under Delhi Sultans from the very beginning.
-The territories brought under control by Ala-ud-din-Khilji.
The option (A) Territories of land, means a big land divided into several pieces and these lands were given to the people and tax was generated via them, these lands were known as Iqtas.
The option (B) A Tax, during the sultanate period meant that common people were given land for farming on certain conditions and in return the individual had to pay tax. Popularly it is called Tax farming.
The option ( C) A form Military, A military consisting of troops which look at various aspects of the administration as well as secure the border of the kingdom. Military use to take revenues from the individuals the lands are allotted to.
The option (D) None of these, as territories of land fits the meaning of Iqta, so this option is wrong.
Thus, the correct option is option (A).

Note: The Iqta system introduced by Iltutmish was abolished by Alauddin khilji. A sudden decision by Khilji made Iqtas under Central Government (thus known as Khalsa land). This was regarded as one of the most agrarian reforms by Allauddin khilji.