Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khalji's Price Control System

The question asks to identify the Delhi Sultan who implemented strict controls over the prices of various essential goods and commodities. This included items like food, horses, cattle, slaves, cloth, fruit, and articles for domestic and personal use. This extensive price regulation was a hallmark of one particular ruler's reign.

Understanding Alauddin Khalji's Market Reforms

Alauddin Khalji, a prominent ruler of the Khalji dynasty, is renowned for introducing a series of administrative and economic reforms aimed at strengthening the Sultanate. One of his most significant policies was the establishment of a market control system to ensure the availability of goods at reasonable prices, especially crucial for maintaining a large standing army.

His market regulations were comprehensive and meticulously enforced. Key aspects included:

• Price Setting: The Sultan fixed the prices for a wide range of commodities.
• Supervision: Officials like the Shahna-i-Mandis (market superintendents) and Barids (intelligence officers) were appointed to oversee the markets and report any violations.
• Enforcement: Strict punishments were meted out for hoarding or selling goods above the fixed rates.

The items brought under price control by Alauddin Khalji specifically match the list mentioned in the question:

• Food grains
• Horses, ponies, cattle
• Slaves
• Cloth
• Fruit
• Articles for domestic consumption and personal use

This system aimed to keep the cost of living low, enabling Alauddin Khalji to pay his large army reasonable salaries without overburdening the state treasury.

Comparing Other Delhi Sultans

While other Delhi Sultans introduced various administrative measures, none are as distinctly associated with such pervasive and detailed price control policies as Alauddin Khalji.

• Ghiyasuddin Tughluq: Focused on restoring order after Khalji's reign, undertaking welfare measures, and consolidating the empire. While he was a capable administrator, extensive price controls were not his primary focus.
• Ghiyasuddin Balban: His main concern was establishing law and order, crushing rebellions, and consolidating the Turkish nobility's power. Market regulations were not a defining feature of his rule.
• Khizr Khan: As the founder of the Sayyid dynasty, his reign was relatively short and focused on establishing his rule after the Tughluqs, facing internal challenges and Mongol threats. He did not implement widespread market controls.

Conclusion on Price Control

Therefore, Alauddin Khalji is the Delhi Sultan credited with implementing the detailed system of price control covering food, animals (horses, cattle), slaves, cloth, fruit, and other essential goods for domestic and personal use.