Theory and Practice of Muslim State in India c9.s2.13

c9.s2.13

As against the troops and according to all contemporary chroniclers, the army officers were highly paid throughout Muslim rule. Shihabuddin al-Umri says that a Khan received 200,000 *tankahs*, each being worth eight dirhams (silver coin). "This sum belongs to him personally, and he is not expected to disburse any part of it to his soldiers." Every Malik received from 50 to 60 thousand *tankahs* and every Amir 40 to 50 thousand *tankahs*.⁴⁶ This amount was paid sometimes in the form of cash salary, at others by the grant of a revenue assignment called *iqta*. There were officers with other ranks as well.