Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 375

Each Iqta was headed by a military leader known as:

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Think about the administrative structure during the Delhi Sultanate.

Correct Answer: B) Mukt

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

In medieval India, the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate included a division known as an Iqta. An Iqta was a territorial unit that was granted to a military leader for the purpose of governance and military defense. The term "Iqta" comes from the Arabic word "Iqtā," which means "assignment" or "grant." This system was a way to distribute land and resources among the military elite, ensuring their loyalty and providing them with the means to maintain their troops.

The military leader who was in charge of an Iqta was known as a Mukt. The Mukt was responsible for the administration of the Iqta, including the collection of taxes, maintaining law and order, and providing military support to the Sultan when required. The Mukt was essentially a vassal of the Sultan, and the Iqta system was a way to decentralize power while maintaining control over the military and administrative functions of the state.

The term "Mukt" is derived from the Arabic word "Mukta," which means "appointed" or "selected." This term reflects the role of the Mukt as a chosen military leader who was entrusted with the responsibility of governing an Iqta. The Mukt was often a trusted noble or a military commander who had proven his loyalty and competence to the Sultan.

It is important to note that the Iqta system was not unique to the Delhi Sultanate; it was also used in other parts of the Islamic world. However, in the context of medieval India, the term "Mukt" specifically refers to the military leader who was in charge of an Iqta. Understanding the role of the Mukt and the Iqta system is crucial for comprehending the administrative and military structure of the Delhi Sultanate.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. "Muct" is not the correct term for the military leader who headed an Iqta. The correct term is "Mukt."
  • Option B: Correct. "Mukt" is the term used for the military leader who was in charge of an Iqta during the Delhi Sultanate period.
  • Option C: Incorrect. "Mukct" is not a valid term. The correct term is "Mukt."
  • Option D: Incorrect. "Muckt" is not the correct term for the military leader who headed an Iqta. The correct term is "Mukt."

Mnemonic: Remember "Mukt" as the leader of "Iqta" by associating it with "Mukti" meaning freedom or independence.

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