Who established Sera-i-Adl, an exclusive market in Delhi for manufactured and exported goods to be sold at prices fixed by administration?
Alauddin Khalji
Understanding Sera-i-Adl and Delhi Sultanate Markets
The question asks about the ruler who established Sera-i-Adl, a specific market in Delhi designed for the sale of manufactured and exported goods, with prices fixed by the administration. This system was part of larger economic reforms aimed at controlling market prices.
Alauddin Khalji's Market Control Measures
Historical records attribute significant market reforms and price control measures in Delhi to Sultan Alauddin Khalji of the Khalji dynasty. These measures were primarily implemented to ensure that goods were available at reasonable prices, especially essential commodities and goods needed for his large standing army. He set up several markets in Delhi, each dedicated to specific types of goods.
- Grain Market (Mandi): For food grains and essential supplies.
- Market for Cloth, Dry Fruits, Butter, Oil, Sugar, etc. (Sera-i-Adl): This was specifically for manufactured goods, imported items, and certain high-value commodities.
- Market for Horses, Slaves, and Cattle: For animals and human labor.
Sera-i-Adl was unique because it dealt with manufactured and exported goods. Alauddin Khalji fixed the prices for items sold in this market and strictly enforced them. Merchants were required to register, and administrators like the 'Shahna-i-Mandi' (Superintendent of Market) and 'Barid' (intelligence officers) were appointed to oversee the markets and ensure compliance with price regulations. Any deviation from the fixed prices or malpractice was severely punished.
The establishment of Sera-i-Adl was a direct consequence of Alauddin Khalji's policy to regulate the economy and ensure a steady supply of goods at controlled prices, crucial for maintaining the economic stability required to support his extensive military campaigns and administration.
Analyzing the Options
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq: While Muhammad bin Tughlaq also implemented various administrative and economic experiments, including currency reforms and attempts to shift the capital, the specific market system involving Sera-i-Adl with fixed prices for manufactured/exported goods is associated with the preceding Khalji dynasty, particularly Alauddin Khalji.
- Shershah Suri: Shershah Suri of the Sur dynasty implemented significant administrative and revenue reforms, built roads (like the Grand Trunk Road), and introduced currency reforms. However, the Sera-i-Adl market system in Delhi predates his rule and is not attributed to him.
- Alauddin Khalji: As discussed, Alauddin Khalji is well-known for his comprehensive market control policies in Delhi, which included setting up different markets like the grain market and Sera-i-Adl, fixing prices, and implementing strict enforcement mechanisms. This perfectly matches the description in the question.
- Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah: Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah was Alauddin Khalji's son and successor. His reign saw some reversal of Alauddin's strict policies, including relaxation of market controls. He did not establish the Sera-i-Adl; it was part of his father's legacy.
Based on historical evidence, Alauddin Khalji was the ruler responsible for establishing Sera-i-Adl in Delhi as part of his detailed market control system.
Conclusion
The establishment of Sera-i-Adl, an exclusive market in Delhi for manufactured and exported goods with prices fixed by the administration, was a key feature of the economic reforms introduced by Alauddin Khalji.
Revision Table: Delhi Sultanate Rulers and Reforms
| Ruler | Key Reforms/Policies (Examples) | Market Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Alauddin Khalji | Market control, revenue reforms, standing army, defence against Mongols | Established separate markets (Sera-i-Adl, Grain Market), fixed prices, appointed superintendents (Shahna-i-Mandi) |
| Muhammad bin Tughlaq | Transfer of capital, token currency, revenue experiments, Qarachil & Khurasan expeditions | Less known for comprehensive market price control like Alauddin Khalji |
| Shershah Suri | Land revenue system (Zabt), currency reform (Rupiya), road construction (Grand Trunk Road), judicial system | Focused on land revenue and infrastructure, not the specific Sera-i-Adl type market control of Delhi Sultanate |
| Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah | Reversed some of Alauddin's strict policies, granted freedom, abolished taxes | Relaxed the market controls established by Alauddin Khalji |
Additional Information on Alauddin Khalji's Reforms
Alauddin Khalji's market reforms were not solely economic; they also had military and political objectives. By ensuring low and fixed prices, he could maintain a large army at a relatively lower cost, enabling him to successfully defend the Sultanate from Mongol invasions and expand his territory within India. The fixed prices in Sera-i-Adl and other markets also helped prevent inflation and ensured that soldiers and the general population had access to goods without facing exorbitant costs. The strict administrative control and espionage system were integral to the success and enforcement of these policies.
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(a) Iqta-i tamlik were hereditary in which the iqta was almost considered the private property of the grantee.
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(c) Iqta-i wajahi were personal grants in which neither the administrative nor military aspect was emphasised.
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
