History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c17.s2.1

c17.s2.1

(Rules were also framed to regulate the sale of horses, cattle and slaves. In medieval times cavalry was the most important branch of the army and horses were much valued. In Central Asia, among the Mughals, horse stealing was punished with death. In South India large amount of money was spent by Hindu Rajas to procure horses from countries like Arabia and Qipchāq. (In North India horses of good breed were mostly imported from Arabia, Persia and Afghanistan, but the Mughal activities interrupted the course of trade and the price of horses rose high. But 'Alāuddīn could not allow a high price for any commodity needed by a soldier, and the price of horses was also regulated.) Horses considered fit for military service²⁹ were divided into three grades according to their quality and breed. The price of the best quality horse ranged from 100 to 120 *tankahs*, that of the second from 80 to 90 *tankahs*, and of the third from 65 to 70 *tankahs*. The horses which were not passed as fit for military service by the Divān, and which were known as *tattūs* (ponies) were priced from 10 to 25 *tankahs*. To maintain these low prices 'Alāuddīn had to treat the horse brokers and middlemen very severly. He ordered that no dealer or his agent should be permitted to frequent the market with the intention of buying a horse for reselling it at a higher price. But it was not very easy to bring them under control. *Dallāls* or middlemen are even to-day one of the most cunning and unmanageable section of the *mandi* people. In those days, declares Ziyāuddīn, "brokers and middlemen were a most arrogant, rebellious and audacious class of people." They were wont to take commission both from the purchaser and the seller in every transaction, and had so complicated the business that no transaction could be effected without their mediation. Virtually, they were the "Kings of the market." Consequently it was with some difficulty that the sultan could bring the brokers to book. He instituted very harsh measures to put an end to the nefarious *dallāls*, who for years had earned their livelihood on high bidding and speculation. Those who still persisted in their old ways were incarcerated with life long imprisonment. It was no longer possible for the merchants and brokers to prevaricate or speak lies, and the price of horses fixed by the sultan began to obtain in the city.