Administration and Consolidation under the Khaljis and Tughlaqs

The Khaljis and Tughlaqs were two prominent dynasties that ruled over the Delhi Sultanate in medieval India. Both dynasties played a significant role in the administration and consolidation of their empire. Let's explore the key aspects of their rule and governance:

Administration under the Khaljis:
1. Centralized Administration: The Khaljis established a centralized form of administration, with the Sultan being the ultimate authority. They focused on maintaining a strong military and efficient administration to consolidate their power.
2. Provincial Administration: The empire was divided into several provinces called 'iqtas,' each governed by a noble appointed by the Sultan. These governors had both administrative and military responsibilities.
3. Revenue Administration: The Khaljis implemented an efficient revenue system to generate income for the state. They introduced several reforms, such as the 'sijda' and 'zakat,' which were taxes levied on non-Muslims and Muslims respectively.
4. Justice System: The Khaljis established a well-organized judicial system. Qazis were appointed to ensure the proper implementation of Islamic laws. The Sultan served as the final authority for legal matters.

Administration under the Tughlaqs:
1. Centralized Power: The Tughlaqs further strengthened the centralized administration established by the Khaljis. They aimed to establish a strong monarchy with the Sultan having absolute power.
2. Provincial Administration: The empire was divided into various provinces called 'sarkars,' each governed by a noble known as a 'wazir.' The wazirs were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and overseeing the administration.
3. Land Revenue System: The Tughlaqs introduced the 'dagh' system, where the Sultan's officers marked the cultivated land and collected revenue based on the area. This system aimed to prevent disputes and increase revenue collection.
4. Public Works: The Tughlaqs undertook various public works projects, such as the construction of canals, wells, and rest houses. They also built new cities and fortresses to strengthen their hold over the empire.
5. Religious Policy: The Tughlaqs followed a policy of religious tolerance and patronized various religious sects. They encouraged the establishment of mosques, madrasas, and Sufi shrines.

Conclusion:
The Khaljis and Tughlaqs both implemented effective administrative measures to consolidate their rule. They focused on centralizing power, maintaining law and order, and collecting revenue efficiently. While the Khaljis laid the foundation, the Tughlaqs further developed and expanded the administrative systems. Their rule left a significant impact on the Delhi Sultanate and the subsequent dynasties that followed.

The Tughlaq dynasty also referred to as Tughluq or Tughluk dynasty, was a Muslim dynasty of Turko-Indian origin which ruled over the Delhi sultanate in medieval India. Its reign started in 1320 in Delhi when Ghazi Malik assumed the throne under the title of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq. The dynasty ended in 1413.