History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c17.31

c17.31

To obviate the difficulties of *caravanians* in obtaining grain at prices which would ensure them a margin of profit 'Alāuddīn issued a royal rescript to all the magistrates and collectors (*shahnagān* and *mutaṣarrifān*) of the country lying in the doāb and other regions near the capital city, requiring them to give written undertakings to the crown to the effect that they would try to obtain as much grain from the cultivators as possible. They were ordered to realise 50% of the produce as land tax from the agriculturists with the utmost rigour. They were also asked to compel the latter to sell their surplus stocks to the travelling merchants on the fields, at a rate fixed by the king. It was the duty of the revenue officials to prevent regrating of corn by husbandmen and to see that they were left only with bare sustenance.¹⁴ For breach of this regulation the officers were held responsible and were called to account. Thus all the available grain flowed into the market which remained well stocked. Black-marketing did not and could not exist, and profits were wiped off.