UGC NET History Unit-5 Administration and Economy (1200–1750 CE)

(Delhi Sultanate → Mughals → Deccan → Marathas → Economy & Trade)

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🏛️ 1. Administration under the Delhi Sultanate

🔹 Nature of the State

• The Sultanate was a theo-centric monarchy, meaning the Sultan was considered the shadow of God (Zil-i-Ilahi).

• Not purely theocratic — religious laws (Sharia) were applied, but practical politics often overrode religious control.

• The Sultan was the head of state, army, and justice.

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🔹 Central Administration

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🔹 Provincial and Local Administration

• Empire divided into Iqtas (provinces) under Iqtedars.

• Subah → Shiq → Pargana → Village hierarchy.

• Local officers:

  • Amil (revenue officer)

  • Muqaddam (village headman)

  • Patwari (record keeper)

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🔹 Law of Succession

• No fixed rule; not hereditary.

• Sultan chosen by nobility or military elites (e.g., Chahalgani in early period).

• Led to frequent disputes and palace intrigues.

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⚖️ 2. Sher Shah Suri’s Administrative Reforms (1540–1545)

Sher Shah re-established efficient governance after the decline of the Delhi Sultanate.

🔹 Key Reforms

Legacy: His system became the model for Akbar’s administration.

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👑 3. Mughal Administration (Central, Provincial, Local)

🔹 Nature of the Mughal State

• Highly centralized monarchy, yet flexible and inclusive.

• Emperor seen as Padshah (absolute sovereign).

• Religious policy varied: Akbar’s Sulh-i-Kul vs Aurangzeb’s orthodoxy.

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🔹 Central Administration

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🔹 Provincial Administration

• Empire divided into Subahs (provinces) → Sarkars → Parganas → Villages.

• Headed by a Subahdar (governor).

• Diwan (revenue), Bakshi (military), Qazi (justice), Kotwal (police) assisted him.

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🔹 Mansabdari System

• Introduced by Akbar.

• Each noble (Mansabdar) was assigned:

  • Zat (personal rank/salary)

  • Sawar (number of cavalry to maintain).

• Salary could be in cash or jagir.

• Ensured central control over the nobility.

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🔹 Jagirdari System

• Jagir = land assignment for revenue collection instead of salary.

• Jagirdar collected revenue but could not own land.

• Rotation of jagirs prevented feudal independence.

• By 17th century, excessive jagir demands caused economic crisis (Jagir shortage).

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🏯 4. Deccan and South Indian Administration

🔶 Vijayanagara Empire

• Kingship was hereditary and divine; assisted by council of ministers.

• Provinces: Nadu, Sthala, Grama.

• Revenue based on produce (1/6th).

• Well-organized army, efficient taxation, and irrigation system.

• Local self-government continued in villages.

🔶 Bahmani Kingdom

• Modeled after Delhi Sultanate.

• Central officers: Wazir (Peshwa), Amir-i-Jumla, Mir Jumlana, Sadr-i-Jahan.

• Provincial governors called Tarafdars.

• Mahmud Gawan reformed revenue and reduced corruption.

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🛡️ 5. Maratha Administration

🔹 Founder: Shivaji (1627–1680)

• Established Swaraj; coronated as Chhatrapati at Raigad (1674 CE).

• Efficient civil-military system and decentralized governance.

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🔹 The Ashta Pradhan (Council of Eight Ministers)

Local levels: Deshmukh (district head), Patil (village head), Kulkarni (accountant).

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🌍 6. Frontier and Inter-State Relations

Delhi Sultanate

• Adopted policy of military expansion and defense against Mongols (Northwest Frontier).

• Alauddin and Balban strengthened borders.

Mughals

• Controlled frontiers with fortifications, diplomacy, and alliances.

• Frontier provinces like Kabul, Qandahar, and Bengal managed by strong governors.

• Deccan policy under Akbar–Aurangzeb led to annexations but drained resources.

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🌾 7. Agrarian Structure and Rural Economy

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🏭 8. Industry and Technology

Major Industries

• Cotton textiles: Surat, Dhaka, Burhanpur, Masulipatnam.

• Silk and brocade: Banaras, Murshidabad.

• Metalwork and weapons: Lahore, Delhi, Jaunpur.

• Agro-based industries: Sugar, indigo, oil pressing.

Organization

• Production by guilds and karkhanas (royal workshops).

• Technology: Handlooms, spinning wheels, dyeing and block printing.

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💰 9. Trade and Commerce

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🧾 Financial Instruments

• Hundi: Indigenous bill of exchange for safe money transfer.

• Insurance (Bima): Merchants insured goods during transport.

• Currency: Silver rupiya (Sher Shah); gold mohur and copper dam (Mughals).

• Mint System: Imperial mints in Delhi, Lahore, Ahmedabad, and Surat.

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📉 State Income & Expenditure

• Main income: Land revenue (⅔ of total).

• Other sources: Customs, jizya, war booty, tributes.

• Expenditure: Army, royal household, public works, charity.

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🌾 Famines and Peasant Revolts

• Frequent due to crop failure, over-taxation, and wars.

• Major revolts:

  • Satnami and Jat rebellions (Aurangzeb period).

  • Deccan peasant uprisings (17th century).

• Famines recorded in Mughal chronicles (1630–32, 1661–62).

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🧭 10. Summary Table