Understanding Delhi Sultanate Administration

The administration of the Delhi Sultanate was well-organized, with different departments handling specific functions. These departments were crucial for governing the vast territories under the Sultanate's control from the 13th to the 16th century. Each department was headed by a minister or a high-ranking official responsible for its operations.

Key Departments in Delhi Sultanate Administration

Let's look at the functions of the departments mentioned in the options to determine which one was responsible for state correspondence.

Diwan-i-arz: Department of Military

This department was responsible for the military administration of the Sultanate. It handled the recruitment, inspection, and payment of soldiers. The head of this department was known as the Ariz-i-Mumalik. Its primary function was related to the army and defense.

Diwan-i-khairat: Department of Charity

Established by Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq, this department was dedicated to public welfare and charity. It provided aid to the poor, helped in the marriage of poor Muslim girls, and established hospitals. Its function was purely humanitarian and charitable.

Diwan-i-risalat: Department of Appeals or Foreign Affairs

The exact function of Diwan-i-risalat is debated among historians. It is often described as the department handling foreign affairs, dealing with ambassadors and diplomatic correspondence. Some sources also associate it with religious matters or hearing appeals. However, it was not the primary department for general state correspondence within the empire.

Diwan-i-insha: Department of Correspondence

This department was responsible for state correspondence and official documents. It handled all the communications between the Sultan and the provincial governors, other rulers, and also drafted royal proclamations and orders. The head of this department was called Dabir-i-Khas. It maintained records of the state's official writings and communications.

Identifying the Department of State Correspondence

Based on the functions of the departments, the department specifically responsible for state correspondence and drafting royal documents in the administration of the Delhi Sultanate was the Diwan-i-insha.

Therefore, with reference to the administration of Delhi Sultanate, the department of State Correspondence was Diwan-i-insha.

Summary of Delhi Sultanate Administrative Departments

Revision Table: Delhi Sultanate Administration Departments

Additional Information: Key Officials and Roles

Apart from the heads of these specific departments, the Delhi Sultanate administration had other important officials:

• Wazir: The chief minister, head of the revenue and finance department (Diwan-i-wizarat).
• Qazi-ul-Quzzat: Chief Justice, head of the judicial department.
• Barid-i-Mumalik: Head of the state intelligence and news agency.
• Vakil-i-dar: Superintendent of the royal palace.

Understanding these roles provides a clearer picture of how the Delhi Sultanate was governed. Each department and official played a vital role in maintaining the Sultanate's power and stability.