Delhi Sultanate — Key Changes

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Administrative Reform under Iltutmish	1211-1236	Iltutmish formalized the iqta system, granting land assignments to military officers in lieu of salary, thereby decentralizing administration while maintaining central control through accountability. He also organized the 'Turkan-i-Chahalgani' (Council of Forty) to consolidate power among loyal Turkish nobles and introduced standardized silver Tanka and copper Jital coins, establishing a stable monetary system.	These reforms provided the foundational administrative and monetary structure for the nascent Sultanate, transforming it from a loose collection of territories into a more cohesive and legitimate state. The iqta system became a cornerstone of Sultanate administration for centuries.
Alauddin Khalji's Revenue and Military Reforms	1296-1316	Alauddin Khalji implemented radical revenue reforms, including direct land revenue collection based on measurement (biswa), eliminating intermediaries. He also established a large, permanent standing army, introducing 'dagh' (branding of horses) and 'chehra' (descriptive rolls of soldiers) to prevent corruption and ensure military efficiency.	These reforms significantly increased state revenue and created a powerful, disciplined military capable of extensive conquests and repelling Mongol invasions. The direct revenue collection reduced the power of local chiefs and strengthened central authority, though it often led to peasant distress.
Firoz Shah Tughluq's Welfare and Agrarian Policies	1351-1388	Firoz Shah Tughluq introduced extensive public works, including canals for irrigation, hospitals (Dar-ul-Shifa), and new towns. He abolished many oppressive taxes and focused on improving agriculture. However, he also made military posts hereditary and expanded the iqta system, granting larger iqtas and making them hereditary.	His welfare measures brought some relief to the populace and boosted agricultural production. However, making military posts hereditary and expanding hereditary iqtas weakened the military's efficiency and fostered a powerful, less accountable nobility, contributing to the long-term decline of the Sultanate.