Iqta system : features, evolution and political importance.
Iqta system : features, evolution and political importance.
Changes in the Iqta system at different times
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Introduction to the Iqta system: -
The word Iqta means a part or an area. According to Dr. Irfan Habib, a part of the surplus of the crops produced by the farmers was taken as tax and distributed among the provincial rulers. The method of collecting revenue from the farmers in this way and distributing it among the provincial rulers was known as Iqta. Its main objective was to destroy the feudal system prevalent in India at that time and introduce a strong centralized system of governance.
During the Sultanate, there were two types of land. The Sultan's Khas land or Khalisa - the revenue of this type of land was collected by government servants. The second type of land was Iqta. In this system, the Sultan distributed it among the high-ranking officials and nobles on certain conditions. Those who received the land were called Iqtadars.
Introduction of Iqta system in India:-
Iltutmish introduced the Iqta system in India. Although this system was already prevalent in the Turkish world. After Qutbuddin Aibak, even during the reign of Iltutmish, it was not possible to adopt any specific revenue policy in India. On the other hand, the treasury did not have the abundance to pay the soldiers in cash. In this situation, Iltutmish adopted the much-tested Iqta system of the Turkish rulers.
Nature of Iqta system:-
The Iqta system was prevalent only in lands outside the Khalisa lands. The state collected revenue directly from the Khalisa lands. Those who received Iqta were called Iqtadar or Makti. The Iqtadar received Iqta on certain conditions. For example -
(i) The Iqtadar would provide soldiers to the Sultan in times of need.
(ii) The Iqtadar maintained law and order in his area.
(iii) The Iqtadar was responsible for administering his own Iqta area.
Features of Iqta system:-
The various features of the Iqta System were -
(i) Revenue was collected only from the surplus of the farmers.
(ii) Although the Iqtadar could collect revenue from the farmers, the Iqtadar had no right over the farmer or his land. The land belonged only to the Sultan.
(iii) The Iqtadar could not determine the amount of revenue. The state determined the revenue.
(iv) If the farmer wanted, he could complain to the Sultan against the Iqtadar and the Iqtadar had no right to prevent the farmer from doing so.
(v) In return for the Iqta, each Iqtadar worked to administer and maintain peace and order in his own Iqta area.
(vi) Each Iqtadar maintained an army in his own area. The Iqtadar was obliged to provide the Sultan with troops when needed.
(vii) The Iqtadar had no right over the land. The Sultan was the sole owner of the land.
(viii) The stability and existence of the Iqtadars depended on the will of the Sultan. If the Sultan disapproved, the Iqtadar would be removed from office.
(ix) There was also a system of transfer among the Iqtadars.
(x) The Iqtadar would meet all his needs and deposit the surplus money in the central treasury.
Changes in the Iqta system at different times:-
The Iqta system came into existence from the time of Sultan Iltutmish and various changes in the Iqta system were made from his time.
Introduction and changes in the Iqta system during the reign of Iltutmish: -
Iltutmish introduced the Iqta system in India mainly to destroy the feudal system. He introduced the policy of transfer among the Iqtadars. When the policy of strong centralization was adopted at the provincial and central levels, the Iqtadars were forced to become assistants to the Sultan.
Changes in the Iqta system during the reign of Balban: -
The policy of centralization was further strengthened during the reign of Balban. He adopted the policy of strict auditing and appointed a class of royal officials called Khwaja for this work. During his reign, it became mandatory for the Iqtadars to keep a certain number of soldiers. During the reign of Balban, the Iqta system was not hereditary.
Changes in the Iqta system during the reign of Alauddin Khalji: -
During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, the size of the empire increased manifold, resulting in an increase in the amount of land. As a result, Alauddin made various changes in the Iqta system. He adopted the policy of paying Iqta only to areas far from Delhi. The policy of collecting revenue directly by converting Delhi and its surrounding areas into Khalisa lands was adopted. He fixed the revenue rate for each land. The audit of the accounts of the Iqtadars became more stringent. The policy of paying Iqta only to the commander-in-chief and paying the soldiers directly was adopted.
Changes in the Iqta system during the reign of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq: -
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq decided that if an Iqtadar collected 1/10 or 1/11 percent more revenue than his due, it would be seen with mercy. Needless to say, the Sultan's control over the Iqtadars was relaxed during the reign of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
Changes in the Iqta system during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq: -
Muhammad bin Tughlaq adopted the policy of paying the soldiers in cash. During his reign, he separated the two issues of revenue collection and army maintenance. The generals were removed from the administrative responsibilities of the Iqta. Muhammad bin Tughlaq adopted the policy of granting the Iqta to the person willing to pay the highest amount of revenue.
Changes in the Iqta system during the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq:-
During the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, the Sultan's control over the Iqtadars was greatly reduced. He increased the salaries of the nobles and the matter of auditing the accounts became much relaxed. During his reign, the total income or deposit of the state was prepared. The Iqtadars did not have to pay more than this fixed amount. He made the Iqta system hereditary and due to the distribution of large amounts of Iqta, the amount of Khalisa land decreased and the income of the state decreased.
Changes in the Iqta system during the Syed and Lodi periods:-
During the Syed and Lodi periods, the words Sarkar and Pargana were used instead of the word Iqta. An administrative body was formed with a few Parganas. Although the Iqta system became very weak during this period, the basic structure was maintained.
Various defects of the Iqta system:-
The biggest defect of the Iqta settlement was its corruption. In most cases, miscalculations, embezzlement of surplus money - these became common practices. Although the Iqta system was introduced to eliminate the defects of the feudal system, all the harmful aspects of the feudal system were transmitted into the Iqta settlement. When the amount of Khalisa land increased, the state's income from Iqta decreased. When Firoz Shah Tughlaq introduced the hereditary principle in the Iqta system, the Sultan's control over the Iqtadars was greatly reduced.
Importance of the Iqta system: -
(a) The Iqta system was effective in strengthening the administrative system at the beginning of Turkish rule.
(b) Through the Iqta system, it was possible to collect provincial revenue and strengthen administrative control.
(c) By giving Iqta, it was possible to keep the Amirs and Umrahs under control.
(d) In the initial phase, the Sultans were able to end the feudal system through the Iqta system.
(e) As a result of the transfer policy, the Iqtadars could not act arbitrarily in their own areas.
(f) Since the Sultan was the owner of the land - the Iqtadars never had any supremacy over the land.
(g) The peasants could freely complain to the Sultan against the Iqtadar or Makti. As a result, the interests of the peasants were relatively protected in this system.
(h) It became possible to collect revenue even from distant areas.
(i) Excellence in the administrative field increased.
(j) Overall economic prosperity occurred.
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