Explanation: Muhammad Tughluq, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1325 to 1351, is often remembered for his ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful administrative measures. His reign was marked by a series of policies that, while innovative, were poorly executed and led to significant economic and social instability.
One of the most notable of Tughluq's failed policies was the decision to move the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in the Deccan region. This move was intended to consolidate his control over the southern territories and to protect the capital from Mongol invasions. However, the relocation was poorly planned and executed, leading to widespread discontent among the populace. The forced migration of people and the disruption of trade and agriculture caused significant hardship and economic decline.
Another failed policy was the introduction of token currency. Tughluq introduced copper and brass coins to replace the existing silver and gold coins. The intention was to reduce the cost of minting coins and to control the economy. However, the lack of proper safeguards against counterfeiting led to widespread forgery, which devalued the currency and caused economic chaos. The failure of this policy further eroded the stability of his rule.
Tughluq's reign also saw the implementation of the Iqta system, which was a form of land grant to military officers. While this system was intended to reward loyal soldiers and maintain military strength, it often led to the concentration of power in the hands of local chieftains, who became increasingly independent and resistant to central authority.
The combination of these failed policies, along with the challenges of maintaining control over a vast and diverse empire, led to widespread unrest and the eventual decline of Tughluq's rule. His reign serves as a cautionary tale in the study of medieval Indian history, highlighting the importance of well-planned and effectively executed administrative measures in maintaining the stability and prosperity of a kingdom.
In contrast, other rulers such as Alauddin Khilji and Genghis Khan are known for their successful administrative measures. Alauddin Khilji's policies, including the market control system and the Iqta system, were effective in maintaining order and economic stability. Genghis Khan's administrative measures were focused on maintaining control over vast territories and were generally successful in consolidating and expanding the Mongol Empire.
Therefore, Muhammad Tughluq's reign stands out as a period marked by administrative failures, making him the correct answer to the question.