Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 227

The ruler who set up dak-chowkies was:

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the administrative innovations of the Delhi Sultanate rulers.

Correct Answer: B) Raziya Sultan.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Delhi Sultanate was a period of significant political and administrative development in medieval India. Various rulers of the Delhi Sultanate implemented reforms to strengthen their rule and improve the efficiency of their administration. One such reform was the establishment of dak-chowkies, which were relay stations used for the efficient transmission of messages and goods across the empire.

Raziya Sultan, who ruled from 1236 to 1240, was a notable figure in the Delhi Sultanate. She was the daughter of Iltutmish and the only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Raziya Sultan is remembered for her administrative reforms and her efforts to improve the communication and transportation infrastructure of the empire. The establishment of dak-chowkies was one of her significant contributions. These relay stations were strategically placed along major routes to ensure that messages and goods could be quickly and efficiently transported across the empire, thereby improving the overall administrative efficiency.

It is important to understand the context of the Delhi Sultanate and the various rulers who contributed to its development. While other rulers such as Ala ud din Khilji, Balban, and Iltutmish made significant contributions to the Delhi Sultanate, they did not establish the system of dak-chowkies. Ala ud din Khilji, for instance, was known for his military conquests and economic reforms, while Balban focused on strengthening the military and administrative structure. Iltutmish, on the other hand, laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate and made significant contributions to its administration, but he did not establish dak-chowkies.

Therefore, the correct answer is Raziya Sultan, who introduced the system of dak-chowkies to improve the communication and transportation infrastructure of the empire. This reform was a significant part of her administrative efforts and contributed to the overall efficiency of the Delhi Sultanate's administration.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Ala ud din Khilji was a significant ruler of the Delhi Sultanate known for his military conquests and economic reforms, but he did not establish dak-chowkies.
  • Option B: Raziya Sultan is the correct answer as she introduced the system of dak-chowkies, which were relay stations for efficient communication and transportation within the empire.
  • Option C: Balban was a powerful ruler who focused on strengthening the military and administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate, but he did not establish dak-chowkies.
  • Option D: Iltutmish was a notable ruler who laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate and made significant contributions to its administration, but he did not establish dak-chowkies.

Mnemonic: R for Raziya, R for Roads, R for Relay

Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 227 – Practice all questions