Que : Evaluate the economic policies of Firoz Shah Tughlaq

Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388 CE) attempted to bring stability after the unstable policies of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His policies included tax reforms, irrigation system, public works and currency reforms, some of which were beneficial to the people, but weakened the empire in the long run.

Key features and evaluation of economic policies:

• Tax reforms:

Firoz Shah made the tax system in accordance with Sharia, imposing Kharaj (land tax), Zakat (2.5% tax on Muslims), Jaziya (on non-Muslims including Brahmins) and Haqq-e-Sharb (irrigation tax, 10% on produce). He waived the Takawi loans of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s time and reduced the rigors in tax collection.

These policies provided relief to the farmers and increased economic stability, but taxes like Jaziya and Haqq-e-Sharb were high, which affected non-Muslims and increased religious divisions. As a result, in the long run the state’s revenue increased, but class inequality increased.

• Irrigation and agricultural development:

He built irrigation systems like the Yamuna-Hisar Canal, the Ganga-Yamuna Canal, which had 120 miles of canals. He encouraged gardens (Bagh-e-Firouzshahi) and agriculture, levying Haqq-e-Sharb to increase production.

These policies increased agricultural productivity and benefited the farmers, which led to economic growth. But the irrigation tax placed an additional burden on the farmers and affected the fertility of the soil in the long run.

• Public works and welfare:

He established Dar-ul-Shafa (hospital), Diwan-e-Khairat (charity department), Diwan-e-Bandgan (slave department) and royal factories. He provided employment to the unemployed and built cities (Firozabad, Hisar).

As a result, social welfare increased and economic revival took place, but these works benefited the Muslims and the wealthy class more, which increased inequality. Also, the slave system increased the economic burden.

• Currency and trade reforms:

He issued new currencies like Aham, Bikh and Shashgani and encouraged trade, which reduced corruption in tax collection and stopped the oppression of the wealthy. Currency reforms stabilized trade and increased economic exchange, but the poor quality of the coins led to inflation and affected the economy in the long run.

• Iqta system and administration:

He made Iqta (land revenue) hereditary and paid wages to soldiers by giving them land instead of cheque bills. He spent public works from the treasury. This increased administrative stability and benefited the army, but the hereditary Iqta strengthened the landlords and weakened central control, which contributed to the downfall of the Sultan.

Thus, Firoz Shah’s economic policies provided immediate relief and development, such as increased agriculture and public welfare, but his religiously biased and short-sighted policies also increased economic inequality and weakened the empire. His rule is known as a ‘benevolent dictatorship’, but he did not take revolutionary measures like Muhammad bin Tughlaq, which led to the downfall of the Tughlaq dynasty in the long run.