Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 190

Consider the following statements with respect to administration of the Delhi Sultanate: 1. Barids were the intelligence officers who reported on sensitive matters from different parts of the empire. 2. Wakil-i-dar was in charge of royal karkhanas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Review the roles of Barids and Wakil-i-dar in the Delhi Sultanate administration.

Correct Answer: C) Both 1 and 2.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Delhi Sultanate, which ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 13th to the 16th century, had a sophisticated administrative system that included various roles and responsibilities. Understanding the roles of different officials within this system is crucial for comprehending the functioning of the empire.

One such role was that of the Barids. Barids were intelligence officers who were responsible for gathering and reporting information on sensitive matters from different parts of the empire. They acted as a network of spies and informants, providing the Sultan with crucial intelligence on political, military, and social developments. This role was essential for maintaining the Sultan's control over the vast territories under his rule.

Another important role was that of the Wakil-i-dar. The Wakil-i-dar was an official who was in charge of the royal karkhanas, which were workshops or factories that produced goods for the royal household and the state. These karkhanas were significant economic institutions that produced a variety of goods, including textiles, weapons, and other luxury items. The Wakil-i-dar was responsible for overseeing the production, quality control, and distribution of these goods.

Both the Barids and the Wakil-i-dar played crucial roles in the administration of the Delhi Sultanate. The Barids provided the Sultan with essential intelligence, while the Wakil-i-dar managed the economic activities of the royal workshops. Understanding these roles helps in comprehending the complexity and efficiency of the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate.

It is important to note that the roles of Barids and Wakil-i-dar were not unique to the Delhi Sultanate but were part of a broader tradition of administrative roles in medieval Indian empires. These roles were adapted and modified over time to suit the needs of the ruling dynasty and the empire's administrative requirements.

In conclusion, both statements regarding the roles of Barids and Wakil-i-dar are correct. The Barids were intelligence officers who reported on sensitive matters, and the Wakil-i-dar was in charge of the royal karkhanas. Understanding these roles is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because it only acknowledges the role of Barids as intelligence officers, but it fails to recognize the role of the Wakil-i-dar in managing royal karkhanas.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect because it only acknowledges the role of the Wakil-i-dar in managing royal karkhanas, but it fails to recognize the role of Barids as intelligence officers.
  • Option C: This option is correct because both statements are accurate. Barids were indeed intelligence officers who reported on sensitive matters, and the Wakil-i-dar was responsible for overseeing royal karkhanas.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because it suggests that neither statement is correct, which is false as both statements are accurate.

Mnemonic: B-W for Barids and Wakil-i-dar

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