A History of Agriculture in India v2.c62.s12: Condition of People
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c62.s12
- Language
- English
Condition of People
v2.c62.s12.1
There is little doubt that under the beneficent rule of Sultan Firoz the condition of the people improved. ‘Formerly’, according to Shams-i Siraj, ‘the practice was to leave the *raiyat* one cow and take away all the rest. Sultan Firoz made the laws of the Prophet his guide, acting zealously upon the principles they laid down, and prohibiting all that was inconsistent therewith. No demand in excess of the regular government dues was to be made, and the officer who made any such exaction was to make full reparation. Brocades, silks, and goods required for the royal establishments were to be purchased at the market price, and the money paid.... Such rules were made that the raiyats grew rich, and were satisfied.... Their homes were replete with grain, property, horses, and furniture; every one had plenty of gold and silver; no woman was without her ornaments, and no house was wanting in excellent beds and couches. Wealth abounded and comforts were general. The whole realm of Dehli was blessed with the bounties of the Almighty.’ There is an element of exaggeration and courtly flattery in this statement, but there is no doubt that under the comparatively mild rule of Firoz, the peasants were relatively prosperous.
v2.c62.s12.2
Sultan Firoz Shah died in September 1388, aged about eighty-three. After his death the government fell into utter confusion. As the central authority weakened, the governors of provinces became independent.
Cites (1)
- Tārīkh-i Fīrūzshāhī — Shams-i Sirāj ʿAfīf