Consider the following statements with respect to the market control policy of Allauddin Khilji: 1. The main objective behind the market control policy was to raise a large standing army. 2. For the purpose of this policy, three markets were set up in Delhi-one for food grains, another for costly clothes and the third for horses, slaves and cattle. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context and objectives of Allauddin Khilji's market control policy.

Correct Answer: C) Both 1 and 2.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Allauddin Khilji, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1296 to 1316, implemented a series of economic and administrative reforms to strengthen his rule and maintain a large standing army. One of the key policies he introduced was the market control policy, which aimed to regulate the prices of essential goods and commodities to ensure the stability of the economy and the availability of resources for the military.

The primary objective of this market control policy was to raise and maintain a large standing army. This was crucial for Allauddin Khilji's military campaigns and for maintaining control over the vast territories of the Delhi Sultanate. By controlling the prices of essential goods, he could ensure that the soldiers and the state had access to the necessary resources without being affected by market fluctuations.

To achieve this, Allauddin Khilji established three specialized markets in Delhi. The first market was dedicated to food grains, which were essential for feeding the army and the population. The second market was for costly clothes, which were important for the nobility and the elite, and the third market was for horses, slaves, and cattle. These markets were set up to regulate the prices of these commodities and to ensure their availability for the state and the army.

The market control policy was a significant part of Allauddin Khilji's administrative reforms and played a crucial role in the economic and military stability of the Delhi Sultanate during his reign. It is important to understand the historical context and the specific objectives of this policy to appreciate its significance in the history of the Delhi Sultanate.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect because it only acknowledges the first statement as correct. The second statement about the three specialized markets in Delhi is also accurate.
Option B: This option is incorrect because it only acknowledges the second statement as correct. The first statement about the objective of raising a large standing army is also accurate.
Option C: This option is correct because both statements are accurate. The market control policy was indeed aimed at raising a large standing army, and three specialized markets were set up in Delhi for food grains, costly clothes, and horses, slaves, and cattle.
Option D: This option is incorrect because it suggests that neither statement is correct, which is false. Both statements are historically accurate.

Mnemonic: MARCH: Market control, Army, Regulation, Horses, Clothes

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