RAS question
Alauddin Khilji's market control reforms included all of the following EXCEPT:
Correct answer: (A) Abolition of all taxes on merchants.
Abolition of all taxes on merchants was not part of Alauddin Khilji's market-control reforms.
Explanation
Alauddin Khilji's market reforms were built around strict state control, not tax abolition. The NIOS lesson says he fixed the prices of commodities ranging from grain and cloth to horses, cattle and slaves, and set up three separate Delhi markets: one for food grains, one for cloth and expensive items, and one for horses, cattle and slaves. Enforcement was administrative as well as surveillance-based: a Shehna was placed in charge of the market to prevent violations of royal orders, while Barids and secret spies monitored compliance. The Diwan-i-Riyasat and Shahna-i-Mandi also belonged to this control apparatus. Since the reforms aimed to keep prices stable through official rates, regulated markets and intelligence checks, abolishing all taxes on merchants does not fit the policy.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Fixing prices of essential commodities was central to the reforms, as Alauddin set official prices for goods from grain and cloth to cattle and slaves.
- (C) Appointment of market controllers was part of enforcement, with the market placed under a Shehna to ensure that royal orders were followed.
- (D) An intelligence network did monitor the markets, since Barids and secret spies were appointed to check violations and prevent price manipulation.
Concept
This tests Delhi Sultanate administrative history, especially how Alauddin used state regulation to sustain military and urban needs. RAS often asks such themes because medieval economic controls link polity, revenue, military organisation and urban administration.