Question

The most important feature in the economic measures pursued by Alauddin Khilji was ________.
a. Foreign trade
b. Market control
c. Minting of new coins
d. Development of agriculture

Answer 1

Hint:
- The economic measures are physical measures, nominal value and fixed price calculations.
- Quantity, consistency and distribution are the observable economic variables.

Complete solution:
Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316 A.D)–
- Alauddin Khilji was a strong Khilji ruler who became a sultan in the Khalji Dynasty.
- His father-in-law has been killed and his Delhi strength has been enhanced.
- During his reign, Alauddin protected his empire in Jaran, Manjur, Sivistan, Kili, Delhi and Amroha from the Mongol invasions. He defended his reign.
- Those kingdoms, such as Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittor, Malwa, Siwana, Jalore, and others also invaded and annexed later.
- Alauddin suffered from a disease and gave Malik Kafur the administration charges during the last years of his life.

Alauddin Khilji's domestic policies –
- The Divine Right Theory of Kingship was followed by Ala-Ud-din.
- Four ordinances were adopted to discourage repeated revolts.
- He laid down pious donations and free land grants.
- The spy system was reorganized.
- He discouraged wine and social gatherings.
- A constant standing army was introduced.
- He began the scheme of horse branding and description of soldiers in order to avoid corruption.
- He set the prices of the goods that were below the usual market rates.
- Black marketing was strictly forbidden.
- In cash and not in kind, revenue was collected.
- The Hindus were discriminated against and he levied the Jizya on the Hindu people, a pasture tax and a house tax.

Method of Marketing –
- Diwan-i-riyasat was named to standardize the business by officers in offices called Shahana-i-mandi.
- Traders should register at the office in order to sell their products at fixed rates.
Alauddin exploited the economy to develop a massive army and to supply his government with a currency to ensure stability. Alauddin Khalji developed price checks to ensure proper payment for his soldiers.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note:
- The Mongols used to wage battle in a very strange way. The Mongols not only invaded and conquered; they destroyed civilizations. There is a reason why the Mongols were named "the banner of God."
- To Alauddin Khilji, India owes a big debt. In the rest of the world, none could stand up to the frightened Mongols, whether it was the Russian Empire, the mighty Persia, or Caliphate in Bagdad. They were defeated five times by Khilji and drawn in a sixth confrontation. Some of the most disciplined and well-trained armies on earth were the Delhi sultanate under Khilji, which is why they were able to overturn the Mongols time after time.