Question

The rate of land revenue was highest during the reign of

A Ghiyasuddin Balban
B Alauddin Khilji
C Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
D Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq

Answer & Explanation

Answer: [B]

The rate of land revenue was highest during the reign of Alauddin Khilji. Alauddin Khilji was the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate and reigned from 1296 to 1316 CE. He implemented several administrative and economic reforms during his rule, including significant changes to the land revenue system. One of his most notable reforms was the introduction of the "Zabt" system, which involved fixing the revenue demand based on an assessment of agricultural productivity and imposing a fixed rate of land revenue.

Under Alauddin Khilji's reign, the rate of land revenue was set at one-half (50%) of the agricultural produce, which was the highest rate recorded in the Delhi Sultanate. This high rate was intended to ensure a steady income for the state and strengthen the treasury. However, this policy was met with resistance from the agricultural community and led to significant economic and social repercussions.