In the administrative vocabulary of the Delhi Sultanate, what was the primary duty of the 'Barid'?

💡 Solution & Explanation

During the Delhi Sultanate, the 'Barid' functioned as a royal news reporter and intelligence agent appointed by the ruler to monitor provincial administration, local rebellions, and market conditions. Land revenue collection was primarily handled by officials like the 'Amil' or 'Muqti', while military command rested with commanders such as 'Maliks' and 'Khans'. An efficient intelligence network was crucial for centralizing authority across distant provinces of the Sultanate.