Delhi Sultanate Iqta System as discussed by Harsh
The establishment of Turkish rule in India during the last decade of 12th century AD, marked the beginning of new phase in Indian history because for many centuries hereafter India was ruled by Turko-Afghan rulers. This came to known as Delhi Sultanate. The establishment of Turkish rule in India bring number of changes, Iqta system was one of them. It helped Sultans of Delhi to rule so many years by providing sufficient amount of revenue and military support.
Also Read : Turkish Rule in India: Changes in Technology and Economy
Turkish Rule in India: Impact on Military and Socio-Cultural Life
Delhi Sultanate – Politico-Administration System
Iqta System
Iqta refers to the piece of land given by sultan to his military commanders. It was originally an Arabic practice from whom the Turks adopted it and brought to India. It played significant role consolidation and expansion of empire in India, but later it was the main cause of decline of Delhi empire. It was base on the premise that a military conquest is not the outcome of sultan only, his commanders play an equally important role.
So, the territories conquered by sultan should be shared with military commanders. Iqta was like a provincial unit which was used to manage the affairs of administration.
Characteristic Features of Iqta System
The system was centralized in nature because the Iqtadars were appointed by Sultan himself. They were directly accountable to sultan for their actions. It was based on the merit as meritorious commanders were appointed as Iqtadars. They were transferred time-to-time to remove the possibility of development of close bonding with them and common peoples.
Initially, the system was non-hereditary in nature but later made hereditary by Firoz Tughlaq. It was based on the law of escheat because after the death of an Iqtadar, the wealth was accumulated by state. It was essentially a politico-administrative and military system because Iqtadars were to perform all these functions. They were to collect revenue from state. After that number of changes were brought by different sultans’ time-to-time.
Changes or Evolution of Iqta System
Iltutmish was the first Sultan of Delhi Sultanate who clearly defined the duties and responsibities of Iqtadars. He ordered to maintain fixed number of troops, to look after the administration of area under their control and to collect revenue and deposit Fawazil (share of central authority in revenue) in central treasury. Balban increased control over them by regular transferring them. He appointed an accountant known as Khwaja with each Iqtadar.
Alauddin abolished number of Iqtas in Doab region to carry out extension of Khalisa (agriculture land of state) land. He created the new department, Diwan-i-Mustakharaj, to collect revenue lying with Iqtadars. Mohammad bin Tughlaq increased centralized control over them. He ordered to deposit entire revenue to central authority, from their salaries to be paid.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq made the system hereditary. After death of an Iqtadar. The son/son-in-law/slave/widow to be succeeded him. As a result of this Iqtadars become powerful with time. During the time of Lodhis, Fawazil was abolished and Iqtadars were allowed to retain the entire revenue because Lodhis followed the Afghan Theory of Kingship in which Sultan was considered first among equals. Big Iqtas came to known as Sarkars while small ones as Parganas.
Significance of Iqta System
This system provided a readymade administration mechanism for newly conquered territories. Sultan was not to worry about the administrative responsibilities. It strengthened the central control over the territories of Delhi sultanate because Iqtadars were directly responsible to Sultan. It also played significant role in strengthening the economic foundation of Sultanate because Iqtadars were responsible for collection of revenue.
This allows to established a large standing army. They help in consolidation of empire by subjugating the revolts and rebellions within their territories. It also helped in territorial expansion. This system also helped Sultan to remain safe from the ambitious powerful nobles as they posted far off areas. Iqtadars were served with honesty as they were treated well according to merit system.
Limitation of Iqta System
After making this system hereditary by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, it severely affected the strength and effectiveness of central authority. Many of powerful Iqtas declared their independence repeatedly as a result unity and integrity of Sultanate remained fragile. During the Lodhi rule, they become so powerful because of retaining of the entire revenue from Iqtas. The alliance of Daulat Khan Lodhi (an Iqtadar of Lodhis) with Babur was an important reason of defeat of Ibrahim Lodhi in Battle of Panipat, c. 1526 AD. It was Daulat Khan who invited Babur to attack India.
Thus, Iqta system evolved with time under different Sultans and eventually become the main reason of decline of Delhi Sultanate.
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