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Iqta System in Medieval India: An In-Depth Exploration

The Iqta system, also spelled as Iqta’ or Iqtadari, was a significant administrative and revenue arrangement in medieval India, particularly during the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. This system served as a foundation for the governance and revenue collection within these empires. In this note, we will delve into the intricacies of the Iqta system, its origins, functioning, and its impact on the administrative structure of medieval India.

Origins of the Iqta System:

The Iqta system is believed to have originated from the Persian practice of “iqta’,” where the ruler would grant land or its revenue rights to an individual in exchange for services, often military or administrative. It was prevalent in the Islamic world, including the Abbasid Caliphate, from where it found its way to the Indian subcontinent.

Functioning of the Iqta System:

The Iqta system in India was based on the principle of land revenue assignment. Under this system, the ruler, whether it was a sultan in the case of the Delhi Sultanate or an emperor in the Mughal Empire, would grant Iqta to a deserving individual, known as an Iqtadar. The Iqtadar was responsible for collecting revenue from the assigned territory, which could be in the form of land or a share of agricultural produce.

Key Features and Characteristics:

• Assignment of Revenue Rights: An Iqtadar was granted the right to collect revenue from a specific territory. This revenue could be in the form of agricultural produce, monetary taxes, or a combination of both.
• Service in Exchange: The Iqtadar was expected to provide services in return for the assigned revenue rights. These services varied but were typically of a military or administrative nature. The ruler relied on the Iqtadars for maintaining order and contributing to the empire’s stability.
• Hereditary or Non-Hereditary: Iqtas could be hereditary or non-hereditary, depending on the ruler’s discretion. In the case of hereditary Iqtas, the rights and responsibilities could be passed down through generations within the Iqtadar’s family.
• Revenue Collection and Local Authority: Iqtadars had significant authority within their assigned territories. They were responsible for revenue collection, maintaining law and order, and ensuring that the assigned region contributed to the overall prosperity of the empire.
• Iqta as a Reward: The grant of an Iqta was often a reward for services rendered to the ruler, particularly in the case of military commanders. It served as an incentive for loyalty and dedication.

Significance of the Iqta System:

The Iqta system played a vital role in the administrative and revenue framework of medieval India for several reasons:

• Decentralization of Power: The Iqta system facilitated the decentralization of power. It allowed for the delegation of authority to local administrators, reducing the ruler’s direct involvement in day-to-day governance.
• Revenue Collection: It provided a streamlined mechanism for revenue collection. Iqtadars had a direct stake in the prosperity of their assigned territories, which motivated them to maximize revenue collection efficiently.
• Service and Loyalty: Iqtadars were rewarded for their services, ensuring loyalty and dedication to the ruler. This system helped in maintaining order and stability within the empire.
• Flexibility: The Iqta system was adaptable and allowed rulers to grant Iqta based on the needs of the empire. It could be used to reward military commanders, administrators, or other deserving individuals.

Decline of the Iqta System:

The Iqta system was prevalent during the Delhi Sultanate and the early Mughal period. However, with time, its significance waned. Several factors contributed to its decline:

• Centralization: As the Mughal Empire consolidated its power, there was a shift towards a more centralized administrative structure. The Iqta system did not align with the idea of strong central authority.
• Permanent Settlement: The British East India Company introduced the Permanent Settlement in Bengal in the late 18th century, replacing the Iqta system. This further diminished the Iqta’s significance.
• Financial Reforms: The Mughal rulers introduced financial reforms and a more uniform revenue collection system that reduced the need for the Iqta system.

In conclusion, the Iqta system was a critical component of medieval India’s administrative and revenue structure. It played a pivotal role in decentralizing power, maintaining stability, and rewarding loyal service. However, as empires evolved and adopted centralized administrative models, the Iqta system gradually lost its prominence.

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Iqta System

Iqta system was one of the most important features of the Turko-Afghan political system witnessed during the period of Delhi Sultanate. It was originally an Arabic practice from Arab Turk adopted it & Turks brought it to India. For the first time, Iqta was distributed in Punjab by Muhammad Ghori & gradually the practice was extended to other territories.

Iqta system plays an important role in the rise & fall of the Turko-Afghan rule in India. In the beginning, it provided immense strength Sultanate but later on, it becomes the main source of weakness. Iqta system was bureaucratic mechanical cause Iqtadar were officers of state . They performed various politico-administration functions.

The system had economic & military dimensions as well because Iqtadar collected revenue & maintain a fixed number of troops. Iqta system was based on merit because most meritorious commanders were appointed as Iqtadar . It was a centralized mechanism because Iqtadar was appointed by Sultan & they were always accountable to him.

It was based on the practice of transfers Iqtadars were transferred after every 3-4 years. The system was nonhereditary because Iqtas was granted only for the lifetime of officers. After the death of the holder, the Iqta was taken away. This system was based on the law of escheat . At the death of Iqtadar, all the properties/wealth accumulated by him during his lifetime was taken away.

The system was progressive in nature because the performance was rewarded & non-performance was punished. Iqta system evolved with time. It gains many essential features under different Sultan

Evolution of Iqta System

After being introduced by Muhammad Ghori, the Iqta system was reorganized properly by Sultan Iltutmish for the first time. He defined the duties & responsibilities of Iqtadar elaborately. Under this re-organized system the Iqtadar were responsible for, maintaining fixed numbers of troops, looking after the administration of the area under control, collecting revenue, and depositing Fawazal in the central treasury.

Sultan Balban imposed greater central control over Iqtadars. He appointed an accountant Khwaja with every Iqtadar to check the authentication of records maintained by them. Balban transferred Iqtadar from one Iqta to another so they couldn’t develop any bonding with people.

Sultan Alauddin Khalji abolished the number of small Iqtas in the Doab region to carry out the expansion of Khalisa land. He increased the revenue demands from Iqtadar. A new department – Diwan-i-Mushtkharaz for collection of arrears of revenue living with Iqtadar. Mohammad Bin Tughlaq increased central control on Iqtadar furthers.

He separated the income & expenditure of Iqtadar. They ordered to deposit entire revenue in central treasury & from where they were paid against their salary & other expenses. During the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq Iqta, the system was declared hereditary. After the death of Iqtadar, his son/son-in-law/slave/widow was allowed to succeed.

During the Lodhi period, the concept of Fawazal was abolished. The Iqtadar allowed retaining the revenue collected from Iqta. This was an expansion of Afghan kingship in Lodhi, in which the Sultan was ordered as first among the equals. Name Iqta got changed into Pargana & Sarkar . Smaller Iqta came to know as Pargana & bigger is Sarkar.

Contribution of Iqta system

The Iqta system contributed immensely to the consolidation & expansion of the Turko-Afghan rule. The system free Sultan responsibility of looking after. The administration of newly conquered territory once territory allowed to Iqta to commander every responsibility handled by him.

Since Iqtadar central officers & directly accountable to Sultan, the system helped maintain effective central control even over the remote areas. Iqta system increased merits & performance because the best performing commander was rewarded by allocating Iqta . Iqta helps in territorial expansion because Iqtadar used to take the military campaigns on behalf of the Sultan against neighboring Independent states.

The system also facilitated the maintenance of a large army because the responsibility to maintain soldiers was divided between Iqtadar. It also helps in strengthening the economic foundation of the Sultanate because Iqtadar used to collect revenue & deposit in the treasury. The system kept capital free from conspiracy held by powerful commanders such ambitious Nobel kept away from central by appointing them as Iqtadar in different areas.

The system provides opportunities to the capable commanders to use their strength for benefit of the state.

Drawbacks of System

The Iqta system functions perfectly under a strong Sultan but a weak ruler set on the throne it always used to become because of trouble. After the death of a powerful ruler, many of the Iqtadar used to declare their Independence from Sultan. New Sultan has to struggle hard to securely gate the control.

Iqtadar had immense resources both financial & military. They always in a position to defy the order of the weak Sultan. When the Iqta system gets hereditary by Firoz Shah Tughlaq the centrifugal force gets dominant & it contributed to the big way to decline the Tughlaq dynasty. Under the Lodhi Iqta system became because of further trouble because Lodhi stops collecting Fawazal from Iqtadar . Some of Lodhi Iqtadar in Punjab conspired to gain power ended up.

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Iqta System In Delhi Sultanate

Do you want to know about the Iqta system in Delhi sultanate ? The Indian land tax system changed considerably after the reign of Mohammad Ghori . The subsequent formation of the Delhi Sultanate brought in many administrative changes.

The Iqta system in Delhi Sultanate is a political, administrative, and agrarian system that was prevalent throughout the Sultanate. It had its roots in the Turko-Afghan political structure. It originated as an Arabic custom and later the Turks adopted it and then carried it to India.

Till that time, the basic type of Hindu land tenure as per old Manu’s rules existed. The introduction of the Iqta system supplied the country with an agricultural economy.

It also gave the members of the ruling elite the advantage of obtaining money without any permanent commitment to any area.

This system introduced by Iltutmisht later became the backbone of the Delhi sultanate administration. In this article, we will brush through how the system helped in administration. Read on to learn more.

What Is Iqta?

Introduction of iqta system of delhi sultanate, what is iqta system, who is an iqtadar, role of an iqtadar, evolutions of the iqta system in delhi sultanate, contributions and pros of the system, cons of the system, what is the iqta system in delhi sultanate, who abolished the iqta system, when was the iqta system introduced in delhi sultanate, what was the purpose of the iqta system in delhi sultanate, how did the iqta system work in delhi sultanate, who were the beneficiaries of the iqta system in delhi sultanate, did the iqta system exist in other parts of the world, was the iqta system successful in delhi sultanate, what were the limitations of the iqta system in delhi sultanate.

Iqta refers to land and the Kharaj (land revenue) is assigned to a person under particular conditions. The revenue systems of the Turkish Sultans rested on Iqta and Kharaj.

This system supplied the country with an agricultural economy, while members of the ruling elite obtained the money without any permanent commitment to any area. An Iqta was originally decided based on one’s salary.

Under the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, it changed to be hereditary. In essence, it was the land that the army officials got in exchange for their military services.

This system was first introduced to India in 1206 AD by Muhammad Ghori. But, it was Iltutmisht who managed to give it an institutional form.

An innovative system for the distribution of pieces of land and governmental organization emerged under Iltutmish’s rule.

The Delhi Sultanate’s territories were divided into many small and large sections known as Iqta. These Iqtas were given to Sultan’s trusted officials, nobles, and warriors for administration.

Iqtas are of two types:

• Big – Big Iqta was administered by either important wealthy nobles or army officials. They were held by province governors who also had administrative responsibilities.
• Small – Small Iqta holders were small troop holders with no administrative obligations. These minor holders owned and appropriated all of the cultivators’ money. But they were obligated to show themselves with horses and weaponry whenever the Central Government called. Khuts and Muqaddams were the names given to these little Iqta bearers.

Iqtadar or Muqti was the title given to the person who owned the Iqta. He had the authority to manage and recoup the entire revenue from the Iqta.

The Diwan-I Wizarat was tasked with calculating the tax income (kharaj) from each Iqta. The chiefs of an Iqta were also called Naib Sultan, Nazim, or wali.

Every Iqta was led by an experienced commander, generally a member of the royal family or a famous Amir (noble) and loyalist.

• He was supervised by the Central Government. He carried out Sultan’s orders. His authority within the province was like the authority the Sultan had in his empire.
• He kept enormous forces and was compelled to dispatch them when the Sultan asked. He assigned warriors to his army.
• He collected taxes from the people who lived in his domain.
• He kept the land under his command in order and safeguarded the people’s lives and possessions.
• He spent the income received on the upkeep of his troops, his pay, and other administrative expenses, and put the rest in the state treasury. He submitted an annual report of his income and expenses.

Let us look at how the practice of the Iqta system and the assignment of land revenue changed over time. This can be noted under the reign of various rulers of the Delhi Sultanate.

• Mohammad Ghori – The system was initially launched by Mohammad Ghori.
• Shamsa ud-Din Iltutmish – The system was first effectively structured by Sultan Iltutmish . He provided a thorough explanation of the Iqtadar’s responsibilities. Under the new organizational structure, the Iqtadar was in charge of maintaining certain troop levels, overseeing the administration of the territory they controlled, bringing in money, and depositing Fawazal into the central treasury.
• Ghiyas ud din Balban – Sultan Balban tightened central authority over Iqtadars. He sent an accountant Khwaja to each Iqtadar to verify the authenticity of their records. Balban moved Iqtadar from one Iqta to another, preventing the officer in charge from forming bonds with others.
• Alauddin Khalji – To expand Khalisa territory, Sultan Alauddin Khilji (Ala-Ud-Din Khalji) dissolved the small Iqtas that were present in the Doab province. He enhanced Iqtadar’s revenue demands. Diwan-i-Mushtkharaz, a new department, helped to collect tax debt from residents of Iqtadar.
• Mohammad Bin Tughlaq – He further tightened central control over Iqtadar. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq segregated Iqtadar’s income and expenses. They directed that all revenue be deposited in the treasury of the central government, which is where they received payment for their salaries and other expenditures.
• Firuz Shah Tughlaq – The system became hereditary under Firoz Shah Tughlaq Iqta’s rule. Iqtadar’s widow, son, son-in-law, or slave was allowed to succeed after his passing.
• Lodhi reign – The idea of Fawazal was abandoned during the Lodhi era. The Iqtadar permitted the keeping of the money derived from the Iqta. As a result of Sultan’s position as the first among equals, Afghan control in Lodhi was prolonged. Iqta became Sarkar and Pargana. Greater Iqta became known as Sarkar and smaller Iqta as Pargana.

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The Iqta system helped in the growth and strengthening of the of Turko-Afghan powers. The Sultan is no longer responsible for anything owing to the system.

It allowed the commander to command every duty that fell under his jurisdiction. Maintaining good central control became possible since the Iqtadar central officer was directly answerable to the Sultan.

The system increased performance and achievements since the top-performing commander received Iqta as payment.

It aids in imperial expansion since Iqtadar used to lead military expeditions against nearby Independent nations on Sultan’s behalf. Due to the division of labour in maintaining soldiers between Iqtadar, the arrangement also made it easier to maintain a huge army.

Also, the fact that Iqtadar used to receive taxes and deposit them in the royal treasury strengthens the Sultanate’s economic structure. By designating the ambitious Nobel as Iqtadar in various locations, the system maintained the capital free from conspiracies held by strong commanders.

The system helped in maintaining trustful agents. Also, the system gives talented commanders the chance to use their power for the welfare of the state.

It enhanced the ease of revenue collection. It also helped keep a balance between administrative expenditures and military expenditures. In totality, it made notable changes in revenue & administration and led to a long-lasting agrarian reform.

The Iqta system ran smoothly under the reign of any strong Sultan. But, when a weak or greedy Sultan takes the throne, problems inevitably arise.

A large number of Iqtadar proclaim their freedom from Sultan after the passing of a powerful monarch. To safely take control, the new Sultan has to put out a lot of effort.

Iqtadar in charge possessed vast financial and military resources. They were constantly able to reject the weak Sultan’s orders.

The centrifugal effect becomes prominent when the Iqta system becomes hereditary. Firoz Shah Tughlaq did this and it significantly led to the downfall of the Tughlaq dynasty.

The Lodhi Iqta method got much more difficult once Lodhi ceased collecting Fawazal from Iqtadar. Some Lodhi Iqtadar in Punjab who planned to grab control were defeated.

The Iqta system as an original form of collection and assessment of revenue was effective. It had the additional benefits of contributing to the administration and maintenance of a strong reign and army.

It also had considerable control of markets and even initiated an agrarian revolution. Yet, the success of the system or its institutional status depended a lot on the ability of the ruler to extend effective control and the reliability of the Iqtadar.

Nevertheless, this earlier practice is a must-know for all UPSC aspirants. Hope you have a better knowledge of how the Iqta practice influenced the administration of the Delhi Sultanate.

The Iqta system was a land revenue system introduced in the Delhi Sultanate. It granted the right to collect revenue from a specific area of land to a military officer or noble in exchange for military service or other duties to the Sultan.

In order to unify the small fiefs under centralized rule, Alauddin Khilji abolished the Iqta system.

The Iqta system was introduced during the early Delhi Sultanate period in the 13th century by Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish.

The Iqta System in Delhi Sultanate was introduced as a way to mobilize the military power of the state and to maintain a regular army. It was also used as a means of revenue collection for the state.

Under the Iqta System, the Sultan granted the right to collect revenue from a specific area of land to a military officer or noble in exchange for military service or other duties to the Sultan. The Iqta holder would then be responsible for the administration of the area and the collection of revenue.

The beneficiaries of the Iqta System were military officers and nobles who were granted the right to collect revenue from a specific area of land in exchange for military service or other duties to the Sultan.

Yes, the Iqta System was also prevalent in other parts of the Islamic world, such as the Abbasid Caliphate and the Mughal Empire.  

The Iqta System was successful in mobilizing the military power of the state and in maintaining a regular army. It was also effective in revenue collection. However, the system had its limitations and was eventually replaced by the Jagir system.

The limitations of the Iqta System in Delhi Sultanate included the lack of a permanent administrative structure and the tendency of the Iqta holders to misuse their powers.

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The IQTA system, Revenue & Administration: The Delhi Sultanate | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

The iqta system, revenue and administration.

Iqta System

• Definition: Iqta was a territorial area or right whose revenues were assigned to officials instead of direct salaries during the Ilbari Turks' rule.
• Administrative Role: It served as both a revenue and administrative unit.
• Transfer of Iqtas: Rare during the early period but became frequent under the Khaljis and early Tughlaqs.

Revenue Management and Salaries:

• Estimation of Revenue Capacity: Officials estimated the revenue-paying capacity of each area.
• Fixation of Salaries: Personal salaries of officers were fixed in cash.
• Assignment of Iqtas: Iqtas with similar revenue-paying capacity were assigned to match the personal salaries of officers.

Troop Payment and Royal Officials:

• Setting Apart Revenues: A portion of Iqtas' revenues allocated for paying the troops.
• Appointment of Sultan's Officials: Officials appointed within Iqtas during Balban's time.
• Royal Troops Payment Change: Alauddin abolished assigning Iqtas to royal troops, introduced cash payments.

Royal Intervention Peak:

• Under Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq: Witnessed the peak of royal intervention in the Iqta system.

Firuz Tughlaq's Reforms:

• Permanent Revenue Fixation: Firuz Tughlaq fixed Iqta revenues permanently.
• Hereditary Assignments: Made posts and assignments practically hereditary.
• Reintroduction of Iqta Assignments: Even to royal troopers.

Agrarian Conditions:

• Balban's Cash Payments: Paid soldiers in cash to avoid misconstruing jagirs as hereditary grants.
• Ala-ud-din's Land Reforms: Converted all land into Khalsa, under direct state control, resuming inam, milk, and wakf lands.
• Tax Collection through Local Landlords: Muqaddams, Khots, and Chaudhari collected taxes, sometimes exploiting peasants.

Ala-ud-din's Anti-Middlemen Measures:

• End of Middlemen Power: Resolved to end the power, self-interest, and pride of middlemen.
• Strict Auditing and Accountability: Accounts audited, local officers instructed to prevent oppression of tenants.

Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's Regulations:

• Diwan-i-Amirokohi: New department for execution of regulations, regular income, and expenditure statements.
• Diwan-i-Mustakhirz: Separate department for recovering dues, punishing officers in arrears.

Firuz Tughlaq's Agricultural Reforms:

• Canal Construction: Cut large canals, Rajba and Ulughkhani, to promote agriculture in east Punjab.
• New Settlements: New farmer settlements alongside canals, improving land yield.
• Irrigation Cess: Sultan realized 10% as irrigation cess from fields using canal water.
• Garden Plantations: Firuz planted 12,000 gardens, with proceeds credited to the state treasury.

Primary Source of Income:

• Khalisa Land: This refers to the land that directly belonged to the Sultan . It was considered the primary source of income for the state. The revenue generated from Khalisa land played a crucial role in sustaining the financial needs of the ruling administration.

Land Revenue Collection:

• Collection Percentage: Most Sultans, with the exception of Ala-ud-din , collected 1/3rd of the agricultural produce as revenue . Ala-ud-din, however, charged a higher rate of 1/2 . This collection was not limited to a specific type of crop but encompassed a share of the overall agricultural output.
• Payment Method: The revenue could be collected either in the form of cash or in kind, depending on the preferences and policies of the ruling Sultan.

Categories of Taxes:

• Zakat: Zakat was a land tax specifically imposed on Muslim peasants. The tax rate varied, ranging from 5% to 10% of the agricultural produce . It served as a form of charitable contribution within the Islamic community.
• Kharaj: Kharaj was a land tax levied on non-Muslim s. The tax rate fluctuated, ranging from 1/3 to 1/2 of the agricultural produce.  This tax reflected the economic obligations of non-Muslims in the Islamic state.
• Khams: Khams constituted 1/5 of the booty captured in wars . This tax was a form of wealth distribution and contributed to the financial resources of the state.
• Jizaya: Jizaya was a religious tax imposed on non-Muslim s . It was a financial obligation for the protection and security guaranteed by the Muslim state. The canonical basis for this taxation was rooted in Islamic law.

Distinct Taxation for 'People of Scripture':

• Dhimmis: Dhimmis were individuals belonging to the 'People of Scripture, ' including Jews, Christians, Sabeans, and Zoroastrians. They were afforded certain rights, including life, liberty, and property protection, under the condition of paying Jizaya and Kharaj. This reflected the coexistence of diverse religious communities under the Islamic rule, based on a system of financial obligations.

Abolition of Cesses and Land Taxes by Firuz Tughlaq:

• Firuz Tughlaq's Reforms: Firuz Tughlaq brought about significant reforms by abolishing various cesses and land taxes. He retained only four primary taxes , namely Zakat, Kharaj, Khams, and Jizaya. This restructuring aimed to simplify the tax system and streamline the state's revenue collection process.

Impact on Distinctions in India:

• Distinctions Breakdown: The breakdown of the distinction between 'People of Scripture' and others in India implies a more inclusive approach in the taxation system. Firuz Tughlaq's reforms moved away from religious categorizations in taxation, fostering a more uniform financial structure.
• Firuz Tughlaq's Reforms: Firuz Tughlaq's decision to abolish certain taxes and focus on a reduced set of revenue sources indicated a shift in administrative priorities, possibly influenced by economic, political, or social considerations.

Administrative and Agrarian Terms

Sadar-Jahan: Title of the central officer of the Delhi Sultanate responsible for religious and charitable endowments.

Sera-i-Adl: Ala-ud-din Khalji’s market in Delhi for the sale of specified commodities, particularly cloth.

Shashgani: A small silver coin equivalent to six jitals or copper coins.

Shamshi: Pertaining to Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish.

Shiqdar: Officer in charge of land measuring a shiq.

Shuhna-imandi: Officer in charge of the grain market.

Sipahsalar: Commander of the troops.

Tanka: Silver coin used in the Delhi Sultanate.

Zabita: Secular rule or law made by the state.

Ain: State laws distinguished from the laws of the shariat (Islamic law).

Akhurbek: Master of the horse.

Alai tanka: The tanka (silver or gold coin) of Ala-ud-din Khalji.

Alamatha-i-Sultani: Insignia of royalty.

Amil: Revenue officer.

Amir: Commander; the third-highest official grade in the Delhi Sultanate.

Amiri-dad: Officer in charge of justice; the public prosecutor.

Amir-i-akhur: Amir or officer commanding the horse.

Amir-i-hajib: Officer in charge of the royal court; also called barbek in Turkish.

Amir-i-koh: Officer in charge of agriculture.

Amir-i-shikar: Officer in charge of the royal hunt.

Ariz: Officer in charge of the muster, equipment of the soldiers, and their horses.

Arz-i-mammalik: Minister in charge of the army of the whole country.

Barbek: Officer in charge of the royal court; also called amir-i-hajib in Persian.

Barid: Intelligence officer appointed by the state to collect information.

Barid-i-mammalik: Head of the state intelligence service.

Dabir: Secretary.

Dabir-i-mamalik: Chief secretary for the whole kingdom.

Dagh: Mark of branding.

Diwan: Office; the central secretariat.

Diwan-i-Arz: Office of the minister of war.

Diwan-i-insha: Office of the chief secretary.

Diwan-i-riyasat: Office of the minister of trade and commerce.

Diwan-i-wizarat: Office of the wazir.

Diwanul mustakhraj: Office for collecting taxes.

Doab: Land between the Yamuna and the Ganga.

Fatwa: A legal decision; a decision according to the shariat or religious law.

Faujdar: Commander of an army unit.

Haqq-i-Shurb: Water-right; profits from canal irrigation.

Hukm-i-hasil: Assessment (of land revenue) according to produce.

Hukm-i-masahat: Assessment (of land revenue) according to measurement.

Hukm-i-mushahida: Assessment (of land revenue) by inspection only.

Iqtadar: Governor; a person in whose charge an iqta has been placed.

Jagir: A piece of land assigned to a government officer by the state.

Jitals: Copper coins of the Delhi Sultanate.

Jzaih: Personal and yearly tax on non-Muslims, or any tax not Kharaj or land tax.

Karkhana: Royal factory or enterprise, ratbi (for animals) and ghair-ratbi (for commodities).

Khalisa: Land controlled directly by the king and not assigned to any zamindar or officer.

Khan: Highest independent ruler among Mongols and Turks; highest group of officers of state.

Khidmati: Service due.

Kharaj: Land revenue; also tribute paid by a subordinate ruler.

Khuts: Class of village headmen.

Madad-i-mash: Grant of land or pension to religious or deserving persons.

Madad-i-khas: A meeting of the king and his high officers.

Majlis-i-khilwat: A confidential and secret meeting of the king and his high officers.

Mal: Money; revenue; land revenue.

Malik: Owner; proprietor; in the Delhi Sultanate, it meant the second-highest grade of officers, below khan and above amir.

Malik naib: Regent of the kingdom; an officer authorized to act on behalf of the king.

Muhtasib: An officer appointed to maintain law and order in a municipality.

Muqaddam: Village headman; literally the first or senior man.

Muqta: Governor; person-in-charge of an iqta or a medieval province.

Mushrif-i-mamalik: Accountant for all provinces.

Naib-i-arz: Minister of war; or deputy of minister of war.

Naib-i-barbek: Deputy of barbek (officer in charge of the royal court).

Naib-i-mamlakat: Regent or the king’s representative for the whole kingdom, authorized to act on behalf of the king.

Naib-i-mulk: Regent of the kingdom.

Naib-i-wazir: Deputy of the wazir.

Qazi-i-mamalik: The qazi or judge for the whole country.

Quzi-ul-qazzat: The quzi of quzis; the chief quzi.

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Administration of India under the Delhi Sultanate

Meaning of the Iqta system:

‘Iqta’ is an Arabic word denoting a sort of administrative regional unit. It is usually considered equivalent to a province.

Initially the Delhi Sultans had divided their empire into several ‘Iqtas’ or provinces or spheres of influence and put them under the charge of officers called ‘Iqtadars’ (governors).

The number of Iqtas was not fixed. There was no uniformity in their administration.

image source: i.imgur.com/3fORFmh.jpg

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Besides ‘Iqtadar’, other names of the heads of an Iqta’ was Naib Sultan, ‘nazim’ might’ or ‘wali’.

Each ‘Iqta’ was under the charge of an experienced general who generally was the member of the royal family or a notable ‘Amir’ (noble) and confidant of the Sultan.

Duties and powers of the Iqtadar:

1. He was under the supervision of the Central government and carried on orders of the Sultan.

2. He enjoyed the same powers in the province as the Sultan enjoyed in the empire.

3. He maintained large armies and was required to send the same when asked by the Sultan.

4. He maintained order in the territory under his charge and protected the life and property of the people.

5. He appointed soldiers in his army.

6. He collected revenue from the people of his territory.

7. From the revenue thus collected he administered expenditure on the maintenance of his army, his pay and other administrative expenditure and deposited the rest in the state treasury.

8. He sent yearly report of his income and expenditure to the centre.

Restrictions on the Iqtadar:

1. The Iqtadar did not always enjoy hereditary powers. The Sultan could take back Iqta from him whenever he pleased.

2. The Iqtadar was liable to be transferred from one place to another.

3. He could not engage himself in wars of extension without the prior approval of the Sultan.

4. He was required to send a part of the booty to the Sultan.

5. The elephants and the members of the royal family captured during wars were to be sent to the Sultan.

6. He was not allowed to hold his own court.

7. He could not use a canopy or royal emblem.

8. He could not mint coins in his name.

9. He could not read ‘Khutba’ in his name.

During the rule of a weak Sultan, the ‘Iqtadars’ were tempted to enjoy more powers. They even kept elephants an exclusive privilege of the Sultan.

Two categories of Iqtas:

During the reign of Ala-ud-Din, the Iqtas were divided into two categories:

(1) Iqtas which had been under the Delhi Sultans from the very beginning

(2) The territories brought under control by Ala-ud-Din Khalji.

The ‘muqtis’ or the ‘walis’ i.e. the ‘Iqtadars’ of the second category were given more powers so that the newly acquired territories could be brought about under more effective control.

Besides the ‘Iqtadar’, there were several other officers of the central government.

The efficient functioning of an ‘Iqta’ depended on the power of the Sultan on the one hand and on the other hand on the capability of the ‘Iqtadar’.

Division of ‘Iqtas’ into units:

In due course the ‘Iqtas’ were divided into smaller units called ‘shiqqs’ ‘parganas’ and the villages.

The head of a ‘Shiqq’ was called ‘Shiqqdar’. Important officials of a ‘paragana’ were the ‘amil’ or ‘munsif’ the treasurer and the ‘quanungo’

Local administration:

The village, the smallest unit of administration was administered by local hereditary officers and the ‘Panchayat’ of the village. The ‘Panchayat’„ looked after education, sanitation etc. It also acted as a judicial body.

The ‘Chaudhri’ the ‘Patwari’, the ‘Khut’ the ‘Muqaddam’ and the ‘Chankidari’ were the hereditary officers of the village who helped in the collection of revenue.

The Sultan or the governor or officials of the state normally did not interfere in the village administration.

Related Articles:

• Administration of India under the Delhi Sultanate | History
• The Central Administration of the Delhi Sultanate
• Function of the Central Government during the Delhi Sultanate Period
• Defence and Administration under Delhi Sultanate

Iqta System: Meaning & Features | Iqtadar UPSC

Initially, the Iqta System was an Arabic practice adopted by Turks . But, After the establishment of Turkish rule in India, this System was introduced in India as well. After reading this article, you will get answers to all the questions in your mind.

In this article, you will get to know everything about the Iqta System, uncovering its significance and intricacies. We will explore the meaning of “iqtadar” and “iqta,” investigate the historical figures responsible for introducing the Iqta System, elucidate its key features, and shed light on the role and identity of those known as iqtadars.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student preparing for UPSC examinations, or simply curious about this fascinating aspect of India’s past, this article will provide you with a wealth of knowledge on the subject.

What is the Iqta System?

Iqta refers to a piece of land that was given to a military commander for political, administrative, and military purposes. Further, it was based on the promise or belief that the success of the military campaign of the Sultan reflected the joint efforts. Moreover, whatever gains are received in military success, the Sultan should share them with his military commander.

Iqta System in India

Mohammad Ghori was the first to start the Iqta system in India but it evolved during the different sultans of India. Iqta was divided into two parts :

• Small Iqta (Head of small Iqta was referred to as Iqtadar ) 
• Large Iqta (Head of large Iqta was referred to as Mukta or Wali )

The status of Mukta or Wali was much higher as compared to Iqtadar. 

Essential features of the Iqta System

• Iqtadar is used to perform a number of functions for the state. So it was expected that they should handle political, administrative, and military mechanisms .
• It was represented as the provincial along with the Sub-Provincial administration.
• This System was Meritorious in nature, as only meritorious candidates were appointed as Iqtadar. Further, they were appointed on the basis of overall performance as commanders.
• Centralized in Nature: All the appointments are directed by the Sultan. So, Iktadar was directly accountable to the Sultan for the overall function.
• This system was based on the laws of Escheat . After the death of Iqtadar, the wealth accumulated after being appointed as Iqtadar was taken away.
• Further, characterized by the regular transfer of the Iqtadars so that they were not allowed to stay in one place for a long time.
• There were regular inspections of the troops so that the military could work efficiently.

Evolution of the Iqta System

• Iltutmish was the first Sultan of the Delhi sultanate who reorganized the Iqta system and defined the duties and responsibilities of Iqtadars.
• They used to maintain the administration of their own.
• They used to collect revenue and meet expenditure with revenue and the rest will have to be deposited in the central treasury.
• They used to maintain a fixed number of troops to assist the sultan during the wars and battles. 
• Sultan Balban emphasizes the high Central control .
• He used to transfer regularly from one place to another so that they cannot misuse their powers. 
• Appointed Khwaja with every Iqtadar to ensure that the accounts were maintained properly.
• More central control over the Iqtadars because they annexed most of the Iqtas of the Doab region.
• Revenue amount increased regularly to keep them under central pressure.
• Established a department named Diwan-i-Mustakhraj in order to collect the revenues.
• Amroha Experiment : Mohammad Bin Tughlaq ordered Iqtadars to deposit the entire revenue to the state.
• They were given a salary along with some expenditure in order to perform administrative functions.
• Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq made the Iqta system hereditary . So, after his death, his son/son-in-law/slave/widow would make Iqtadar.
• Conducted a Revenue Survey to reduce the burden of revenue under the leadership of Khwaza-Nizamuddin.
• Feroz Shah also stopped receiving the Peshkash or ceremonial gifts to reduce the burden.
• Iqtadars were allowed to retain the entire revenue on the basis of the Afghan theory of Kingship.

Significance & Contribution

The Iqta System played an important role in the success of Turko-Afghan rule in India.

• It provided a political, and administrative mechanism for the sultan to manage new territories.
• The Sultan was not required to worry about the means of administration.
• The Iqta System enabled a sultan to maintain a large army without much difficulty.
• Strengthening the economic foundation of the Sultanate.
• Only meritorious candidates were appointed, which motivated the shoulders and commanders to become Iqtadar.
• Strengthening of centralized control as all were accountable to the Sultane.
• Help in carrying out territorial expansion as Iqtadars were supposed to maintain military campaigns in their areas.
• Help in the consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate because Iqtadars were responsible for suppressing the revolts and rebellions in their territories along with neighboring areas.
• Allow the sultan to keep the capital free from the conspiracy of powerful nobles.

Limitations

• Cause of recurring revolts and rebellions .
• Iqtadar used to declare his independence whenever any weak ruler sat on the throne of the Delhi Sultanate.
• The fragmentation of authority between the sultan and Iqtadar and caused trouble repeatedly.
• When Feroz Shah Tughlaq made it hereditary, it became a destructive institution that impacted the strength and effectiveness of the central authority.
• Under Lodhis , the entire revenue was allotted to Iqtadar due to which nobles started equating them with the Sultan. Further, the Iqtadars were not dependent on the Sultan for anything and challenged the authority.

So, this is all about the Iqta System . If you like this article, please share it with your friends.

The Iqta System was a medieval Islamic land-grant system where rulers granted parcels of land (iqta) to military commanders and officials in exchange for services like military and administrative duties.

What is the meaning of Iqta?

“Iqta” means a land or territory granted by a ruler to an individual in exchange for services like military or administrative duties in the context of the medieval Islamic Iqta System.

What is the meaning of Iqtadar?

“Iqtadar” refers to an individual who was granted a piece of land or territory known as an “Iqta” by a ruling authority, typically a sultan or monarch, in exchange for various services, such as military, administrative, or fiscal duties.

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Vikramjit Singh

Vikramjit Singh, founder of Newscoop, an esteemed UPSC educational website, helps aspirants prepare for UPSC CSE with 5 years of experience, offering a deep understanding of crucial concepts.

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