Q. During the reign of Alauddin Khilji, who were amils ?
(a) Local landlords at village level
(b) Government agents to collect land revenue
(c) Khurasani and Multani traders of foodgrains
(d) Banjaras who carried the food-grains from villages to towns.
Ans: (b) Government agents to collect land revenue
Explanation:
During the reign of Alauddin Khilji, the term “amils” referred to (b) government agents responsible for collecting land revenue.
Alauddin Khilji, a powerful ruler of the Khilji dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate, implemented various administrative and economic reforms during his reign from 1296 to 1316. One of his significant reforms was related to the collection of land revenue.
Alauddin Khilji appointed amils as government agents who were responsible for collecting land revenue from the cultivators or landholders. These amils acted as intermediaries between the state and the agricultural community. They assessed and collected the revenue based on the productivity of the land and the crops grown.
The amils played a crucial role in the revenue administration of Alauddin Khilji’s kingdom. They ensured the timely collection of revenue, maintained records of land holdings, and monitored agricultural production. They were accountable for delivering the collected revenue to the state treasury.
Therefore, the correct answer is (b) government agents to collect land revenue.
