Which Delhi Sultanate monarch established the specialized military department known as 'Diwan-i-Arz' to maintain a strong standing army and oversee soldier inspections?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Balban created the Diwan-i-Arz to organize the military administration, counter internal rebellions, and secure the northern frontiers against Mongol incursions. Alternative rulers introduced different administrative departments such as Ala-ud-din Khilji establishing price control mechanisms and Firoz Shah Tughlaq setting up employment bureaus. The Ariz-i-Mumalik headed this department and conducted rigorous inspections of horses and troops.