History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c17.30

c17.30

Having fixed the prices of food grain, the sultan established grain market and government grain stores wherefrom the people and the merchants could obtain foodstuffs. The grain market was run by two types of merchants. Firstly, those who had their permanent shops in Delhi and may be called retailers or distributors, and secondly, the *caravanians* or travelling-merchants who brought grain into the city and sold it to the shopkeepers as well as to the people. Before the enforcement of market regulations the shopkeepers as well as the *caravanians* made as much profit as they liked. But with the promulgation of the new orders fixing the prices of food grains at a lower level and for all time—irrespective of the vagaries of weather—the merchants were left with very little marginal profit. The result was that while the shopkeepers in Delhi looked with disgust at the new regulations, the *caravanians* stopped coming into the City. But 'Alāuddīn was determined to see his scheme carried out to a successful end. He ordered that the travelling-merchants should get themselves registered with the *Shahnah* of the market. Malik Qabūl, the superintendent of the Grain Market, apprehended the leaders of the travelling-merchants and kept them under surveillance until they agreed to bring grain regularly to the market from places outside Delhi and sell it at scheduled rates. They were asked to take up residence with their women and children in villages on the Jumna within the direct jurisdiction of the superintendent. They had no other alternative but to obey. They signed agreements, collectively and individually, to maintain a regular supply of grain to the market. Thus the danger of supplies falling short in the grain market was eliminated.