Understanding Chroniclers and Price Changes in the Delhi Sultanate

The question asks about a specific chronicler or traveller who documented the significant rise in prices during the reign of Qutbuddin Mubarak Khalji, following the death of his predecessor, Alauddin Khalji, and the subsequent collapse of Alauddin's strict price control measures.

Alauddin Khalji is well-known for his comprehensive economic reforms, including strict controls on market prices for various commodities, aimed at maintaining a large standing army at a lower cost. These measures were enforced rigorously during his rule.

However, upon Alauddin's death, the political stability and administrative efficiency that upheld these controls waned. His successor, Qutbuddin Mubarak Khalji, is known to have relaxed or abolished many of Alauddin's regulations, leading to predictable economic consequences.

Identifying the Chronicler

Historical sources from the Delhi Sultanate period provide insights into the political, social, and economic conditions of the time. Chroniclers and travellers recorded events, policies, and their effects.

Based on historical accounts related to the Khalji dynasty and the economic situation after Alauddin's death, the chronicler who specifically mentions the rapid rise in prices during the reign of Qutbuddin Mubarak Khalji is Shaikh Mubarak.

Sources from the period indicate that Shaikh Mubarak noted the economic shifts and the inflation that occurred once Alauddin's price controls were removed or became ineffective under Mubarak Khalji's rule.

Analysis of Options:

• Shaikh Mubarak: Historical records attribute observations about the post-Alauddin economic conditions, including rising prices under Mubarak Khalji, to accounts associated with this chronicler or sources citing him.
• Yahya bin Ahmad Sirhindi: Known for the Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi, which primarily focuses on the Sayyid dynasty but also covers earlier periods briefly. While a valuable source, specific detailed commentary on the price rise under Mubarak Khalji might not be his primary focus compared to other sources.
• Shaifuddin Ali Yazdi: Author of Zafarnama, primarily dealing with the campaigns of Timur. His work is not focused on the internal economic conditions of the Delhi Sultanate during the Khalji period.
• Mirza Haidar Dughlat: Author of Tarikh-i-Rashidi, focusing on the history of the Moghuls in Central Asia and Kashmir in the 16th century. His period and geographical focus are entirely different from the Khalji dynasty of Delhi.

Therefore, the chronicler who provides information about the growing prices during Mubarak Khalji's reign among the given options is Shaikh Mubarak.

Conclusion

The economic policies of Alauddin Khalji, particularly his price controls, were a significant feature of his reign. Their collapse after his death under Qutbuddin Mubarak Khalji led to economic instability, specifically rapid inflation. Chroniclers like Shaikh Mubarak documented these changes, providing valuable insights into the period.

Revision Table: Delhi Sultanate Chroniclers

Additional Information: Alauddin Khalji's Economic Reforms and Successors

Alauddin Khalji implemented extensive economic regulations, including:

• Market controls (Diwan-i-Riyasat, Shahna-i-Mandi)
• Price fixation for grains, cloth, horses, slaves, etc.
• Hoarding prohibition
• Transportation of grains by caravans (Karawanis)
• Revenue collection measures to prevent accumulation of wealth by intermediaries

These policies were primarily aimed at reducing the cost of maintaining his large army, crucial for his expansionist and defensive policies.

After Alauddin's death in 1316 CE, a period of instability followed. Qutbuddin Mubarak Khalji ascended the throne, initially maintaining some of his father's policies but gradually abandoning the stricter controls, including the market regulations. This relaxation, coupled with other factors, led to economic disruption, including the significant price increases mentioned in historical accounts.