Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate was a period of Muslim rule in India that lasted from the 13th to the 16th century. The administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate was hierarchical, with the Sultan at the apex of the power structure. The Sultan was the supreme ruler and made the major decisions, but the day-to-day governance and administration were managed by a group of nobles appointed by the Sultan.
Nobles were the key figures in the administrative structure. They were responsible for managing various departments such as the military, finance, and justice. The military department, known as the Diwan-i-Arz, was headed by a noble called the Amir-i-Hajib. The finance department, known as the Diwan-i-Khairat, was managed by a noble called the Wazir. The justice department, known as the Diwan-i-Qazat, was headed by a noble called the Qazi-i-Jalil.
The nobles were appointed based on their loyalty, competence, and experience. They were often from the military or administrative backgrounds and were responsible for implementing the policies and decisions made by the Sultan. The nobles were also responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the state.
Princes, on the other hand, were generally not involved in the day-to-day administration. They were often groomed for succession and might have been given some administrative responsibilities, but the primary management of departments was the responsibility of the nobles. The kings, or Sultans, were the supreme rulers and made the major decisions, but they did not directly manage the departments. The actual administration was carried out by the nobles appointed by the Sultan.
Therefore, the correct answer is that nobles headed different departments under the Delhi Sultanate. This reflects the hierarchical and structured nature of the administrative system during this period, where the nobles played a crucial role in the governance of the state.