Who introduced the policy of Dag and Chehra in Military?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the military reforms and policies introduced during the Delhi Sultanate period.

Correct Answer: C) Alauddin Khilji.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Alauddin Khilji, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1296 to 1316, was a significant figure in the history of medieval India. He is known for his military conquests and administrative reforms, which were aimed at strengthening his empire and ensuring the loyalty and efficiency of his army. One of the notable reforms he introduced was the policy of Dag and Chehra.

The policy of Dag and Chehra was a unique system of maintaining detailed records of soldiers. The term "Dag" refers to fingerprints, while "Chehra" means face. Under this policy, each soldier was required to provide a detailed record of his fingerprints and facial features. This system was implemented to prevent impersonation and ensure that the soldiers were accountable for their actions. It also helped in maintaining a reliable and efficient army by ensuring that the soldiers were who they claimed to be and that they could be easily identified.

The introduction of this policy was part of a broader set of military reforms that Alauddin Khilji implemented. These reforms were aimed at creating a strong and disciplined army that could effectively defend the empire and expand its territories. The policy of Dag and Chehra was particularly innovative for its time and demonstrated Alauddin Khilji's foresight in military administration.

It is important to note that while Alauddin Khilji is credited with the introduction of this policy, the Delhi Sultanate period saw many rulers implementing various military and administrative reforms. However, the specific policy of Dag and Chehra is uniquely attributed to Alauddin Khilji and is a significant aspect of his reign.

Understanding the context of Alauddin Khilji's rule and the military reforms he introduced is crucial for comprehending the historical significance of the policy of Dag and Chehra. This policy reflects the administrative and military strategies employed by rulers of the Delhi Sultanate to maintain control and expand their territories.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mubarak Khilji was not the ruler who introduced the policy of Dag and Chehra. He was a later ruler of the Khilji dynasty and is known for his religious tolerance and administrative reforms, but not for this specific military policy.
Option B: Jalal-ud-din Firoz Shah was not associated with the policy of Dag and Chehra. He was a ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty and is known for his administrative and military reforms, but not for this particular policy.
Option C: Alauddin Khilji introduced the policy of Dag and Chehra as part of his military reforms. This policy involved maintaining detailed records of soldiers, including their fingerprints and facial features, to prevent impersonation and ensure accountability within the army.
Option D: Khusru Malik was not the ruler who introduced the policy of Dag and Chehra. He was a later ruler of the Khilji dynasty and is known for his short reign and the eventual fall of the Khilji dynasty, but not for this specific military policy.

Mnemonic: Dag and Chehra: D for Digits (fingerprint), C for Cheek (face)

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