During the period of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, the office of the diwan-imazalim handled _______

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

MH SET Paper-II: History 23rd June 2019

Answer 1

The correct answer is - Cases involving the bureaucracy

Key Points

Diwan-i-Mazalim
- The Diwan-i-Mazalim was a specialized office established to address cases of injustice and misconduct, especially those involving state officials and the bureaucracy.
- It ensured that complaints against government officials, including those related to corruption or abuse of power, were heard and resolved fairly.
- The office was significant during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, as his administration saw instances of mismanagement and grievances against officials.
Key Functions
- The Diwan-i-Mazalim acted as a judicial body to oversee cases concerning the bureaucracy and ensure accountability.
- It focused on maintaining justice and addressing administrative issues within the Sultanate.
Relevance of Bureaucracy
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign was marked by complex administrative reforms, making the office crucial to addressing conflicts within the bureaucratic structure.
- It played a pivotal role in curbing malpractices and ensuring efficient governance.

Additional Information

Madad-i-Ma'ash Grants
- These were tax-free land grants provided to scholars, religious leaders, and other deserving individuals for their livelihood.
- While significant, they were not under the purview of the Diwan-i-Mazalim.
Revenue Adjustment
- Matters concerning revenue adjustment were typically handled by the Diwan-i-Wizarat (Finance Ministry), not the Diwan-i-Mazalim.
- The Finance Ministry was responsible for taxation, land revenue, and overall economic policies.
Muhammad bin Tughlaq's Administration
- He was known for his ambitious but often impractical administrative experiments, such as the introduction of token currency and shifting the capital to Daulatabad.
- These policies resulted in administrative challenges, increasing the importance of offices like the Diwan-i-Mazalim to address bureaucratic issues and public grievances.