Write a note on the administrative system under the Delhi Sultanate.

1. Introduction: Administrative Structure of the Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate, established in the 13th century, marked a significant phase in Indian history. The administrative system under the Delhi Sultanate was characterized by a mix of centralized and decentralized elements, influenced by Islamic principles of governance.

2. Central Administration

The central administration of the Delhi Sultanate was characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of the sultan and key officials.

• 2.1 The Sultan:
  The sultan was the central authority, holding both political and religious power. The sultan's role was not just political but also symbolic, representing the embodiment of Islamic rule in the region. The sultan's court, known as the Diwan-i-Arz, dealt with military affairs and appointments.

• 2.2 Wazir and Diwan-i-Mustakhraj:
  The Wazir, or prime minister, was a high-ranking official responsible for overseeing the administration. The Diwan-i-Mustakhraj, headed by the Wazir, handled financial matters, including taxation and revenue collection.

• 2.3 The Ariz-i-Mamalik:
  This official was in charge of the military department, overseeing recruitment, training, and deployment of the army. The military was a crucial component of the sultanate's administration, as the state often faced external threats and internal rebellions.

3. Provincial Administration

The Delhi Sultanate implemented a decentralized administrative structure to govern its vast territories.

• 3.1 Provinces and Governors:
  The empire was divided into provinces known as iqtas, each governed by an Iqtadar or governor. The governors were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, and ensuring loyalty to the central authority. They enjoyed a degree of autonomy but were accountable to the sultan.

• 3.2 Shiqdar and Amil:
  The Shiqdar was responsible for maintaining law and order, while the Amil served as a revenue officer. These officials worked in collaboration to administer justice and collect revenue at the provincial level. The revenue system was based on the Persian model of taxation known as the 'Khalisa' system.

4. Local Administration

The Delhi Sultanate's administrative system extended to the local level, ensuring effective governance in urban and rural areas.

• 4.1 Shahr:
  Urban areas were governed by a Shahr or a chief officer. They were responsible for maintaining civic amenities, ensuring trade and commerce flourished, and overseeing the welfare of the local population.

• 4.2 Muqaddam:
  In rural areas, a Muqaddam acted as a local headman. They played a crucial role in the collection of revenue, maintaining law and order, and facilitating communication between the rural population and the provincial administration.

5. Legal and Judicial System

The Delhi Sultanate had a well-defined legal and judicial system that drew inspiration from Islamic law.

• 5.1 Qazi:
  The Qazi was the chief judicial officer, responsible for administering justice based on Islamic principles. The Qazi's court, known as the Qazisadah, dealt with civil and criminal matters. The legal system emphasized fairness, and judges were appointed based on their knowledge of Islamic law.

• 5.2 Qanungo and Mir Bakshi:
  The Qanungo maintained legal records, ensuring the enforcement of legal codes. The Mir Bakshi, on the other hand, was responsible for the administration of military justice, overseeing disciplinary matters within the army.

6. Economic Administration

Economic administration under the Delhi Sultanate revolved around revenue collection and economic policies.

• 6.1 Revenue System:
  The revenue system was primarily based on land revenue. The state collected revenue from agricultural lands, and the Iqtadars or governors were responsible for ensuring efficient tax collection.

• 6.2 Market Regulation:
  The state regulated markets and trade to ensure economic stability. The sultans encouraged trade, and important trading centers like Delhi and Multan prospered during this period.

7. Administrative Challenges and Decline

Despite its administrative structure, the Delhi Sultanate faced challenges that contributed to its eventual decline.

• 7.1 Decentralization and Provincial Autonomy:
  Over time, the decentralization of power led to provincial autonomy, weakening the central authority. The provincial governors often became powerful regional rulers, leading to conflicts and instability.

• 7.2 Economic Strain:
  Constant military expeditions and conflicts strained the economic resources of the empire. The revenue system faced challenges, and the state struggled to meet the financial demands of the military and administration.

8. Conclusion

In conclusion, the administrative system under the Delhi Sultanate was a complex blend of centralized authority and decentralized governance. The sultan, supported by key officials, maintained control over a vast empire through a hierarchical administrative structure. The system addressed the needs of urban and rural areas, incorporated Islamic legal principles, and implemented economic policies to sustain the state. However, challenges such as provincial autonomy and economic strain contributed to the eventual decline of the Delhi Sultanate.