Medieval India

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option a

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The Muqti, or holder of the Iqta, had dual responsibilities. He was in charge of collecting revenue from the land assigned to him while also serving as the commander of the troops stationed in the region. This combination of administrative and military duties was a key feature of the Iqta system during the Delhi Sultanate and helped maintain central control over the provinces.

Statement 2 is correct: The Iqta system in India was influenced by the tribal traditions of the Turkoman people, particularly their concept of collective land ownership. Among the Turkoman tribes, land was seen as a shared resource rather than private property. This principle was reflected in the Iqta system, where military officers (Muqtis) were granted temporary control over land in exchange for their services to the Sultanate. However, they did not own the land, as ultimate authority remained with the central government.

Statement 3 is not correct: The surplus revenue collected under the Iqta system was not primarily used for public infrastructure. Instead, it was meant to be deposited in the royal treasury (Diwan-i-Kharj), which funded the administration and military of the Sultanate. The Muqti was allowed to keep a portion of the revenue as compensation for his services, but his primary duty was to ensure that the remaining funds were remitted to the state. While some revenue may have been spent on local governance, public infrastructure development was not its primary focus.