History • Medieval IndiaHard
In the administrative vocabulary of the Delhi Sultanate, what specific obligations were associated with the holders of 'Iqtas'?
A. Hereditary ownership of agricultural land with complete tax exemption for religious services
B. Assignment of revenue tracts to military commanders in exchange for maintaining troops and remitting surplus cash✓ Correct Answer
C. Collection of maritime customs at designated seaports and river estuaries
D. Maintenance of royal elephant stables and procurement of warhorses from Central Asia
💡 Solution & Explanation
An iqta was a territorial revenue assignment granted by the Sultan to nobles and military officers (muqtis or walis) in lieu of cash salary, obligating them to collect revenue, maintain law and order, and supply a designated contingent of troops when summoned. Unlike hereditary feudal estates, iqtas were initially transferable to prevent local entrenched power. This system formed the backbone of the Delhi Sultanate's military organization.
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