Government, Economic, and Social Life under the Delhi Sultanate along with a robust central and local administration.

The Sultan: Supreme Authority in the Delhi Sultanate

Overview:

• Held supreme political, military, and legal authority.
• Responsible for state safety, administration, and justice.
• Acted as a court of appeal and appointed judges.
• No clear law of succession; military strength and public opinion influenced succession.

Central Administration of the Delhi Sultanate

Details:

• Ministers assisted the Sultan; roles evolved over time.
• Wazir's role shifted from military to revenue expert.
• Diwan-i-Arz managed military affairs and introduced reforms.
• Diwan-i-Risalat managed religious and justice matters.
• Diwan-i-Insha handled state correspondence.
• Intelligence agents (barids) and household department were vital.

Local Administration under the Delhi Sultanate

Overview:

• Country divided into iqtas governed by muqtis or walis.
• Muqtis maintained law, order, and collected revenue.
• Central control over muqtis increased over time.
• Provinces divided into shiqs and parganas, administered by local leaders.
• Alauddin Khalji's changes led to conflicts and peasant rebellions.

Economic and Social Policies of the Delhi Sultanate

Details:

• Land revenue was the primary income source.
• Reforms in revenue collection started under Alauddin Khalji.
• Military reforms ensured quality and efficiency.
• Firuz Tughlaq established a department for public works and slaves.

Influence and Legacy of the Delhi Sultanate's Administration

Overview:

• Influenced the Mughal administration system in the 16th century.
• Practices continued to impact administrative frameworks long after the Sultanate's decline.