Explanation: During the reign of Alauddin Khilji, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1296 to 1316, the administration implemented several innovative systems to maintain control and efficiency in various sectors. One such system was Dagh, which was specifically designed to ensure the quality of horses in the royal stables and the army.
Dagh, which means "mark" or "brand" in Persian, was a method of branding horses with specific marks. These marks were used to identify the quality and origin of the horses. The branding process was meticulous and involved assigning unique marks to each horse based on its characteristics, such as breed, age, and physical attributes. This system helped in maintaining a high standard of horses, which was crucial for the military strength of the Sultanate.
The Dagh system was part of a broader administrative framework that included other systems like Chehra and Paiboos. Chehra was a system used for identifying and recording the physical features of individuals, primarily for tax collection and maintaining population records. Paiboos, on the other hand, was a system of taxation where taxes were collected in kind, such as grains or other goods, rather than in cash.
It is important to distinguish between these systems to understand their specific purposes and contexts. While Chehra and Paiboos were related to tax collection and population management, Dagh was specifically focused on the selection and maintenance of high-quality horses for the army.
The implementation of Dagh was a significant administrative achievement during Alauddin Khilji's reign. It not only ensured the quality of horses but also helped in maintaining a well-organized and efficient military force. This system reflects the strategic thinking and administrative capabilities of the Delhi Sultanate during this period.
In summary, Dagh was the system used to select good quality horses during Alauddin Khilji's time. It involved branding horses with marks to identify their quality and origin, ensuring that only the best horses were selected for the royal stables and the army. Understanding the specific purpose and context of Dagh is crucial for comprehending the administrative practices of the Delhi Sultanate during this historical period.