The Delhi Sultanate reached a phase of strong centralisation under Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Both rulers introduced wide-ranging administrative and economic reforms to strengthen the state and expand imperial authority. While Alauddin’s reforms were largely practical and successful, Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s ambitious experiments often failed despite their innovative character.

 Reforms of Alauddin Khalji

Alauddin Khalji’s reforms aimed at consolidating royal authority, controlling the nobility, and maintaining a large standing army.

1. First, he introduced important military reforms. He maintained a large permanent standing army paid in cash and introduced the Chehra (descriptive roll of soldiers) and Dagh (branding of horses) system to prevent corruption and ensure efficiency. Regular inspections strengthened discipline.
2. Second, his famous market control reforms regulated prices of essential commodities to support his large army. He established four separate markets in Delhi and created a special department, Diwan-i-Riyasat, under the supervision of Shahna-i-Mandi. Strict intelligence checks, prohibition of hoarding, and harsh punishments ensured price stability.
3. Third, in land revenue administration, Alauddin ordered systematic measurement of land and fixed revenue demand. Revenue was collected in cash; even large landlords were taxed. Additional taxes like house and pasture tax were imposed, while some cesses were abolished. These reforms later influenced Sher Shah and Akbar.
4. Finally, to curb the power of nobles, he confiscated their properties, reorganised the spy system, prohibited liquor, and banned social gatherings without permission. These measures reduced rebellions and strengthened central authority.

Reforms of Muhammad bin Tughlaq

Muhammad bin Tughlaq is remembered for his bold but often unsuccessful experiments.

1. He shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad to improve administration and control the Deccan, forcibly moving the population. The plan failed due to hardships and lack of water.

2. He organised a huge army to conquer Khurasan and Iraq but later disbanded it after paying heavy compensation, straining the treasury.

a. To overcome financial difficulties, he increased land revenue in the Doab to about half the produce during a famine, causing peasant distress and rebellion. He also introduced token currency of copper coins, modelled on Chinese practice, but widespread forgery led to its withdrawal.

3. He further promoted agriculture by establishing an agricultural department and encouraging irrigation and improved cultivation.

Alauddin Khalji’s reforms were systematic and pragmatic, ensuring administrative stability and strong central control. In contrast, Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s visionary but poorly executed experiments weakened the empire. Together, their reforms illustrate the dynamic but challenging process of state-building in the Delhi Sultanate.