The Iqta system was a key administrative and revenue system introduced by Iltutmish in the Delhi Sultanate. It was used to collect revenue, maintain an army, and govern provinces efficiently. Later, the system was refined and continued by Alauddin Khalji and Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduced by | Iltutmish (Mamluk Dynasty) |
| Purpose | Revenue collection, governance, military administration |
| Key Official | Iqtadar (Iqta-holder) |
| Based on | Persian feudal system |
| Refined by | Alauddin Khalji, Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
Meaning of the Iqta System
- Iqta = A land grant or revenue assignment given to a military officer or noble.
- The Iqta-holder (Iqtadar or Muqti) collected taxes from peasants and maintained a military force for the Sultan.
- Not hereditary → The Sultan could transfer or remove an Iqtadar at any time.
Purpose of the Iqta System
- Revenue Collection:
- Iqtadars collected land revenue (taxes) and sent a portion to the Sultan.
- Military Administration:
- Iqtadars had to maintain a certain number of troops and provide them to the Sultan when required.
- Governance:
- Iqtadars acted as administrators of their territories (Iqta) and ensured law and order.
Types of Iqtas
- Royal Iqta: Controlled directly by the Sultan for state expenses.
- Military Iqta: Given to army officers to maintain soldiers.
- Revenue Iqta: Given to nobles and officials as a salary (they could not collect revenue personally).
Changes Under Later Rulers
| Ruler | Changes Made |
|---|---|
| Iltutmish | Introduced the Iqta system in Delhi Sultanate. |
| Balban | Strengthened central control over Iqtadars. |
| Alauddin Khalji | Made Iqtadars directly accountable to the state. |
| Firoz Shah Tughlaq | Made Iqta hereditary, weakening central authority. |
| Mughal Rule | Abolished the Iqta system and introduced the Mansabdari System. |
Significance of the Iqta System
- Helped efficient tax collection and reduced corruption.
- Allowed the Sultanate to maintain a strong army.
- Created a decentralized but controlled administration.
- Later became the basis for the Jagir system under the Mughals.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduced by | Iltutmish |
| Purpose | Revenue collection, Military & Governance |
| Officer in Charge | Iqtadar or Muqti |
| Type of System | Feudal |
| Refined by | Alauddin Khalji, Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
| Later Replaced by | Mansabdari System (Mughal Era) |
MCQs on the Iqta System
1. The Iqta system was introduced in India by which ruler?
A) Alauddin Khalji
B) Iltutmish
C) Balban
D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: B) Iltutmish
2. What was the main function of an Iqtadar?
A) Religious duties
B) Land revenue collection and military maintenance
C) Writing history books
D) Construction of forts
Answer: B) Land revenue collection and military maintenance
3. Under which ruler was the Iqta system made hereditary?
A) Iltutmish
B) Alauddin Khalji
C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
D) Balban
Answer: C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
4. Which later system was based on the Iqta system?
A) Mansabdari System
B) Zamindari System
C) Ryotwari System
D) Mahalwari System
Answer: A) Mansabdari System
5. Who among the following strictly monitored Iqtadars?
A) Iltutmish
B) Alauddin Khalji
C) Babur
D) Balban
Answer: B) Alauddin Khalji
Subjective Questions on the Iqta System
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- What was the Iqta system, and who introduced it?
- What were the main responsibilities of an Iqtadar (Muqti)?
- How did the Iqta system help in revenue collection and military administration?
- How did Alauddin Khalji modify the Iqta system?
- Why was the Iqta system replaced by the Mansabdari system under the Mughals?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the features and significance of the Iqta system.
- How did the Iqta system contribute to the strength of the Delhi Sultanate?
- Explain the changes made in the Iqta system by different rulers.
- Compare the Iqta system with the Mansabdari system of the Mughals.
- What were the advantages and disadvantages of the Iqta system?
These notes are important for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.