The motive of Alauddin Khalji’s agrarian policy was to curb the powers of the intermediaries. Examine the measures which he adopted to achieve his objective.

Answer:

Alauddin Khalji’s agrarian policy was aimed at strengthening the Sultan’s control over revenue and reducing the power of rural intermediaries such as khuts, muqaddams and chaudhuris. It was closely linked with military needs and political centralisation.

Measures Adopted

• Direct revenue assessment: Land was measured in the Khalisa areas, especially the Doab, and revenue demand was fixed more systematically.
• High state demand: The state claimed a large share, often described by Barani as half of the produce.
• Control over intermediaries: Khuts and muqaddams were deprived of many privileges and made to pay taxes like ordinary cultivators.
• Collection in cash and kind: Revenue was carefully collected to ensure steady income for the state.
• Strict supervision: Officials were watched closely to prevent corruption and evasion.
• Punishment and discipline: Harsh punishments were imposed for concealment of produce or resistance to revenue collection.

Purpose and Impact

• Centralisation: The policy weakened local intermediaries and increased direct state control over the countryside.
• Military support: Higher revenue helped maintain a large standing army at controlled salaries.

However, the policy was harsh on peasants and operated mainly in the core regions. Barani’s account may exaggerate some details, but it clearly shows Alauddin’s attempt to curb rural elites and strengthen the fiscal base of the Sultanate.