RAS question
Alauddin Khalji's market control system included the 'Shahana-i-Mandi'. What was this position?
Correct answer: (C) Market superintendent.
In Alauddin Khalji's market-control system, Shahana-i-Mandi was the market superintendent responsible for enforcing fixed prices and supervising market administration.
Explanation
Alauddin Khalji's market reforms relied on direct state supervision of trade and prices. Delhi had separate markets for grain; cloth and other commodities; horses, cattle and slaves; and miscellaneous goods. A high officer called Shahana-i-Mandi supervised each market. Prices were fixed, merchants were registered with the market department, and violations of the Sultan's orders were punished. The post was therefore concerned with market supervision and price enforcement, not revenue collection, judicial work, or intelligence. In the MCQ, the word mandi points to this market-regulation role, making option C, market superintendent, correct.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) A revenue collector belonged to revenue administration, whereas Shahana-i-Mandi was responsible for market supervision and enforcing fixed prices.
- (B) A chief justice belonged to judicial administration, whereas Shahana-i-Mandi supervised markets rather than deciding cases.
- (D) A chief spy belonged to the intelligence system, whereas Shahana-i-Mandi was responsible for supervising markets.
Concept
This question tests the administrative vocabulary of the Delhi Sultanate, especially the offices connected with Alauddin Khalji's market reforms. Such terms matter in RAS because they connect medieval institutions with their exact functions rather than merely testing the chronology of rulers.