History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c17.s2.20

c17.s2.20

The most remarkable feature of the economic regulations is the success with which they were carried out. Appointment of *shahnahs* for the various markets, appointment of *barīds*, and the secret and efficient service of the *munhiyans*, all independent of one another and all responsible to the king, improved the tone of administration. No officer, however highly placed, could neglect his duties or play false, because the sultan was constantly informed about everything through his secret service agents. The Dīvān-i-Riyāsat, inflicted drastic punishments on the *bāzār* people and did not permit any breach of the orders of the government. Coercion, compulsion and terrorization were the methods adopted by the officers with regard to market administration. But the character and conduct of the market people, as described by Baranī, justified to a considerable extent the harsh means the sultan resorted to. If the chronicler is to be believed, 'Alāuddīn had undertaken the economic measures after consulting his trusty and experienced councillors and ministers. He had asked their opinion as to what he should do in order that the means of livelihood might be made exceedingly cheap "without introducing capital punishment, torture and severe coercion." But he had to banish brokers and torture tradespeople to see that his orders were carried out once they had been issued. Had the traders been more honest and the king less severe, perhaps the totures inflicted on the *bāzār* people would have been avoided.