Medieval History PYQ 44 of 123 · Sultanate Society & Culture · Delhi Sultanate : Administration

Which of the following indicates taxes levied on the land product?

i. Kharaj
ii. Khums
iii. Ushr
iv. Mukta'i

Select your answer from the following codes:

Aonly i
Bii and iii
Ci, ii and iii
Di, iii, and iv

40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (d) i, iii, and iv

Explanation

Kharaj, Ushr and Muqta’i indicate taxes levied on land produce, whereas Khums was not a tax on land produce; rather, Khums was war booty. Khums was obtained through plunder from the people of the enemy state during war. From this booty, 4/5 was distributed among the soldiers and the remaining 1/5 was deposited in the state treasury; however, Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughlaq deposited 4/5 in the treasury and distributed the remaining 1/5 among the soldiers. Sikandar Lodi did not take any share from buried treasure.