Explanations:Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1325 to 1351, is often referred to as the 'Mixture of opposites' due to his contradictory policies and actions. This title reflects the complex and often paradoxical nature of his reign, which was marked by both innovative and radical decisions as well as their often disastrous consequences.
One of the most notable examples of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's contradictory policies was his decision to move the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in the Deccan region. This move was intended to consolidate his control over the southern parts of his empire and to protect the capital from Mongol invasions. However, the relocation was poorly planned and executed, leading to widespread discontent and rebellion among the people who were forced to move. The move also strained the resources of the empire, as it required the transportation of a large number of people and goods over a long distance.
Another example of his contradictory policies was his introduction of token currency. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq introduced copper coins and token coins made of brass and bronze, which were to be used in place of silver coins. The idea was to reduce the cost of minting coins and to control the economy. However, the lack of proper safeguards and the absence of a strong administrative system led to widespread forgery and counterfeiting, which further destabilized the economy and led to inflation.
Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq was also known for his intellectual pursuits and his patronage of scholars and artists. He was a learned man himself, with a keen interest in science, mathematics, and medicine. He was also a patron of the arts and literature, and his court was known for its cultural and intellectual vibrancy. However, his policies and actions often contradicted his intellectual pursuits, leading to a perception of him as a ruler who was both visionary and impractical.
The title 'Mixture of opposites' thus encapsulates the complex and often contradictory nature of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's reign. His innovative and radical policies, while intended to strengthen his rule and modernize his empire, often had the opposite effect, leading to instability and unrest. This duality in his actions and policies is what makes him a fascinating and complex figure in medieval Indian history.