The Sultanate of Delhi, 711–1526 A.D. c7.s3.3

c7.s3.3

The country, particularly the Madhyadesha, was thickly populated. The people were prosperous and happy. Their material condition was very good. Wealth was, however, confined to a small group of people who were very rich indeed. It was considered obligatory on, and, in fact, a pious duty of, the rich people to establish charitable institutions and to alleviate the poverty and sufferings of the poor. The rich built roads, *dharmashalas* and other buildings of public utility. They laid out gardens and constructed tanks and sunk wells for public use. There were houses of charity which provided free board and lodging to travellers. There were charitable dispensaries. The people, on the whole, were noted for their righteousness and benevolence.