History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c15.s1.48

c15.s1.48

Before closing the discussion on revenue administration it may be pointed out that 'Alāūddīn neither abolished the iqta' nor the Khūṭī system. He only abrogated the privileges of the landlord class, crushed their contumacy and compelled them to lead a life of frugality if not of destitution. By his excessive demands he in no way benefited the peasantry for which Ziyāuddīn bitterly criticises the monarch. It is certain that 'Alāūddīn's regulations were an outcome of political exigencies yet it was not impossible for him to be less tyrannical to the tillers of the soil, to the merchants and to his own revenue officials whose flesh he made "sore". Everything in 'Alāūddīn's administration smacked of force, and if Shaikh Bashīr pointed out that 'Alāūddīn's government had very shallow foundations, he was not incorrect. Economic prosperity and not force is the foundation of a stable government. But ‘Alā’uddīn wanted to improverish his countrymen so that the word “rebellion” should not pass their lips.