Explanation: Allaudin Khilji, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1296 to 1316, was known for his military prowess and administrative reforms. One of his significant contributions was the establishment of a strict and efficient taxation system. The primary goal of this system was to ensure a steady and substantial flow of revenue to support his extensive military campaigns and administrative expenses.
The revenue collection system under Allaudin Khilji was based on the principle of fixing the revenue at a specific percentage of the produce. This percentage was set at 50 percent, which was a significant portion of the agricultural output. The rationale behind this high percentage was to ensure that the state had sufficient resources to fund its operations and to maintain a strong centralized authority.
The 50 percent figure might seem high and potentially oppressive to modern readers, but it was a strategic decision in the context of the Sultanate period. Allaudin Khilji's reign was marked by continuous military campaigns, both defensive and offensive, against neighboring kingdoms and invasions. The high revenue collection was necessary to support these military efforts, which were crucial for the expansion and consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate.
Moreover, the revenue system was not just about collecting a high percentage of the produce. Allaudin Khilji also implemented measures to ensure that the revenue was collected efficiently and fairly. He established a detailed system of land measurement and classification, which helped in determining the exact amount of produce and, consequently, the revenue to be collected. This system was known as the "Dagh" system, where each plot of land was measured and classified based on its productivity.
The high revenue collection also had implications for the social and economic structure of the time. While it ensured the state's financial stability, it also placed a significant burden on the peasantry. The 50 percent figure was a balance between the state's need for resources and the peasants' ability to sustain their livelihoods. It was a pragmatic approach to taxation that reflected the political and economic realities of the Sultanate period.
In conclusion, the correct answer is that Allaudin Khilji fixed the revenue collection at 50 percent of the produce. This percentage was a strategic decision to support the state's military and administrative needs, and it was implemented through a detailed and efficient system of land measurement and classification.