Which medieval Sultan of Delhi established the administrative department known as Diwan-i-Arz, dedicated exclusively to organizing and maintaining the military establishment?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban established the Diwan-i-Arz to strengthen central military power and counter internal rebellions by keeping a standing army. The Ariz-i-Mumalik headed this department, overseeing troop recruitment, inspection, and payment. Later, Alauddin Khalji introduced the branding of horses and descriptive rolls of soldiers to further plug corruption within this military apparatus.