Understanding Delhi Sultanate Military Organisation

The Delhi Sultanate, a significant Islamic empire established in medieval India, was structured with various departments (Diwans) to manage its vast administration. These departments handled specific responsibilities, ensuring the efficient functioning of the state. The question asks to identify the specific department tasked with the crucial role of managing the empire's army and its organisation.

Exploring Delhi Sultanate Departments

To answer this question, let's examine the functions of the departments listed in the options:

• Diwan-i-Insha: This department was responsible for handling royal correspondence and official communications. It managed the drafting and dispatch of all official letters, decrees, and documents.
• Diwan-i-Riyasat: Primarily associated with market control and regulation, especially under rulers like Alauddin Khilji. It aimed to ensure fair prices and prevent hoarding. In a broader sense, it could relate to state economic affairs.
• Diwan-i-Risalat: This department dealt with matters of justice, religious affairs, and foreign relations. It handled appeals, endowments, and diplomatic correspondence.
• Diwan-i-Arz: This was the Department of War, also known as the Ministry of Military Affairs. Its primary functions included the recruitment of soldiers, maintaining the army's strength, managing military equipment, arranging for the payment of salaries, and overseeing the overall organisation and administration of the Sultanate's army.

Identifying the Military Department

Based on the functions outlined above, the department specifically responsible for the military organisation and administration of the empire's army was the Diwan-i-Arz. This department was central to the Sultanate's military strength and effectiveness.