Administrative Reforms of Alauddin Khilji

Administrative reforms of Alauddin Khilji as discussed by Harsh

Delhi Sultanate went through the number of political phases. The Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty established by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in c. 1206 AD, came to an end in in C. 1290 AD. After that power was captured by Khiljis. It was Jalal-ud-din Khilji who established the new dynasty, Khilji Dynasty in c. 1290 AD. They were considered of low origin people during the Slave dynasty because they were Afghans.

Other than Jalal-ud-din Khilji, Alauddin Khilji was most successful Sultan, not only of this dynasty but of entire Delhi Sultanate. He succeeded the throne of Delhi sultanate in c. 1296 AD after killing his uncle Jalal-ud-din Khilji. After ascending the throne of Delhi sultanate, he undertook number of reforms in various different fields of politico-administration, military and economic.

Also Read : Alauddin Khilji – Theory of Kingship

The Khilji Revolution

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban – Theory of Kingship

Administration Reforms of Alauddin Khilji

He was an efficient administrator. So, after sitting on the throne of Delhi, he first analyzes the causes behind reoccurring of revolts and rebellions. He was concerned about the safety of his crown and wanted to eliminate the circumstances which were responsible for rebellion activities. After careful examination of factors and circumstances leading to outbreak of revolts during reign of his predecessors, he came up a conclusion.

Alauddin founded that fundamentally there were four factors responsible for the revolts and rebellions against Sultan. These factors included; presence of extra wealth with peoples, inefficiency of spy system, practice of using wine, and inter-marriage among nobles. So, to eliminate these factors Alauddin issued four ordinances for eliminating the possibilities of revolts and rebellions. These ordinances came to known as administrative reforms of Alauddin Khilji.

First ordinance was issued by him to take away extra wealth lying with peoples. He believed that excess wealth made peoples rebellions because such peoples have time to conspire against Sultan. Through this ordinance the free grants like Inam (reward to meritorious person), Mulk (given to learning and religious person), Idrar (support to poor) and Waqf (give to religious institutions like mosques) were taken away.

His revenue reforms were also inspired by the same as he wanted to took away the extra wealth lying with intermediaries and common peoples. The second ordinance was issued by him for strengthening spying system of the state. Efficient and capable spies were appointed throughout the state and they were asked to pass important information directly to Sultan. In case of failure, the spies were punished severely.

Third ordinance was issued by Alauddin to prohibit the use of wine. To set an example, he himself gave up drinking of wine. According to Zia-ud-din Barani, the wine pots were brought to gate of palace and were broken publicly. This order could not implement successfully because peoples started the distillation of wine at their homes and state started to loss revenue but the evil was continued.

 Under these circumstances, the original order was amended. The prohibition was imposed on public and gathering drinking, as the private consumption was allowed. Fourth ordinance was issued to prohibit the inter-marriage among the nobles. No noble was allowed to enter into matrimonial alliance with other noble, without the prior permission of Sultan.

Thus, these ordinances issued by Alauddin Khilji helped him to eliminate the possibilities of revolts and rebellions. There were no such revolts and rebellions during his reign except the one attempt made by the surrendered Mongols (new Musalmans). Thus, Alauddin’s administration reforms were a success.