Consider the following statements : 1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as 'Amil'. 2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution. 3. The office of 'Mir Bakshi' came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (a)
• Statement 1 is correct: in the Sultanate's revenue administration the amil was the officer in charge of revenue collection in a pargana/iqta.
• Statement 2 is wrong: the iqta system was imported from the Islamic world (Abbasid/Seljuk practice), introduced in India by Iltutmish; it was not an ancient indigenous institution.
• Statement 3 is wrong: Mir Bakshi (head of military department) was a Mughal office created under Akbar; the Sultanate's equivalent was the Ariz-i-Mumalik, set up by Balban.
• Hence 1 only, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: iqta was imported, not indigenous.
- (c) 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong: Mir Bakshi is a Mughal office.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statements 2 and 3 are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.