Delhi Sultanate Administration: The Delhi Sultanate marked a significant shift in the administrative structure of India, introducing a new ruling class and a distinct administrative system that combined elements of Turkish, Afghan, and Indian traditions.

Central Administration

The administration of the Delhi Sultanate was centered around the Sultan, who was the supreme authority. The Sultan was supported by a group of nobles and ministers, forming a governing body known as the Majlis-i-Khalwat or Council of Ministers. Although this council was intended to assist the Sultan, the Sultan held the ultimate power in decision-making.

The Sultanate’s administration is often referred to as a Turko-Afghan setup in the Indian environment. The Sultans saw themselves as representatives of the Caliph, the spiritual leader of the Islamic world. This connection was further solidified when Iltutmish became the first Sultan to receive an official recognition letter from the Caliph, giving legitimacy to his rule.

Theocratic and Secular Balance

The Delhi Sultanate was neither entirely theocratic nor completely secular. The governance often depended on the Sultan’s personal beliefs and policies. Mullahs served as interpreters of Shariyath (Islamic law), while Qajis were responsible for executing it. This blend of religious and administrative roles created a unique governance model that varied in its application across different reigns.

Territorial Administration

The Sultanate was divided into various administrative units, each managed by different officials:

• Shiqs: These were larger territorial units controlled by an official known as the Shiqdar.
• Paraganas: These were subdivisions of Shiqs, managed by an Amil.
• Villages: At the local level, villages were governed by village headmen, known by titles such as Muqaddam, Chaudhri, or Khut. The village accountant was known as the Patwari.

Land Classification

Land was a crucial aspect of the Sultanate’s administration and was categorized into three types:

1. Iqta Land: Lands assigned to officials in lieu of payment for their services. These lands were essentially fiefs, where the revenue generated was used to maintain the official’s obligations.
2. Khalisa Land: Land under the direct control of the Sultan, with revenue collected from these lands used to maintain the royal court and household.
3. Inam Land: Land granted to religious leaders or institutions. These grants were often given as a form of reward for religious services or to support religious institutions.

Conclusion

The administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate was a blend of Turko-Afghan practices and Indian traditions, creating a system that was both hierarchical and flexible. The Sultanate’s governance laid the foundation for subsequent rulers, influencing the administrative practices of the Mughal Empire and beyond.