The Administration of the Sultanate of Dehli c15.26

c15.26

Politically the Hindus were divided roughly into four classes. The first consisted of the peasantry who were regarded as the basis of all economic life; they were to be cherished and protected³ Moderation in the revenue demand was the rule; 'Alā-u'd-dīn Khaljī's high assessment was the result of the imminent Mongol danger. The peasants were protected from the illegal and vexatious demands of both high and low.⁴ The cultivators had nothing to fear from their Muslim rulers so long as they were not drawn into acts of rebellion or contumacy. The second class was that of the petty revenue officials and clerks. They formed the basis of the bureaucracy ruling the land, and, on account of their aptitude and expert knowledge, were valued as civil servants.⁵ The non-official middle class comprised traders and skilled artisans, who were not only left unmolested but were encouraged by patronage and protection.⁶ Indeed the Muslim conquerors claimed that they had delivered the people from tyranny by establishing their rule,⁷ This may be characterised as propaganda to reconcile the people to their rule, but it must have possessed a modicum of truth to make it successful, for it did enable them to win the co-operation of large sections of the people in such a short time. Lastly there were the Hindu chiefs. The more important of them were practically independent, the only demand the state made on them was that they should acknowledge the suzerainty of the sultan and be regular in the payment of their tribute. They were also required to maintain standards of good government and justice in their territories.¹ The smaller chief had less power, but he was autonomous to a considerable degree. He led a life of affluence; politically he was a power to reckon with.² From very early times he was employed by the state. Hindu generals and soldiers fought for the Ghaznavids and were generously rewarded; Quṭb-u'd-dīn Aibak employed Hindu officers and soldiers in his army; Balban honoured Hindu chiefs.³ The power of the latter continuously increased, until 'Alā-u'd-dīn Khaljī reduced it; he did not leave much power to his Muslim nobles either. With the removal of this sultan's strong hand, the chiefs gradually regained their position, and we find them powerful under Muḥammad bin Tughluq. They were not only employed as provincial governors and high revenue officials, but also enjoyed a prestige which excited the jealousy of Muslim writers.¹ They did not lose their position in the next reign and continued to remain important factors in society.²