Which Sultan of Delhi had established a separate Agriculture Department and had planned the 'rotation of crops'?

U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008

A. Iltutmish
B. Balban
C. Alauddin Khalji
D. Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq

Answer: Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq

Option d is the correct answer. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, established a separate Agriculture Department known as Diwan-i-kohi or Aamir-e-Kohi, reflecting his understanding of the importance of agriculture in revenue generation. This department aimed to enhance agricultural productivity by providing loans to cultivators and encouraging the cultivation of superior crops. A significant area of land was allocated for state farming, where crop rotation techniques were implemented. However, this wellintentioned experiment ultimately failed due to factors like poor land quality, corruption, and lack of sustained effort, leading to its abandonment after three years. Important Tips Agricultural Reforms of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq: Establishment of Agriculture Department: Muhammad Bin Tughlaq established a dedicated department known as Diwan-i-kohi, responsible for overseeing agricultural activities and implementing his agricultural policies. Model Farming: A significant tract of land, approximately sixty square miles in area, was selected for state farming experiments. This land was used to implement innovative agricultural practices and test various crop cultivation techniques. Crop Rotation: One of the notable components was the introduction of crop rotation methods. Different crops were systematically sown in rotation on the model farm to enhance soil fertility, mitigate pests and diseases, and improve overall agricultural yield. Loans to Cultivators: The Diwan-i-kohi provided loans to cultivators to encourage the cultivation of higher-quality crops. This financial support aimed to incentivize farmers to adopt improved agricultural practices and invest in their land. Scientific Approach: Muhammad bin Tughla, a member of the Ghanem, demonstrated a scientific approach to agriculture. He invested in research and experimentation to identify effective farming techniques that could be applied to various regions. Financial Investment: The government allocated significant funds for these agricultural experiments. Over a period of three years, around seventy lakh tankas were spent on the model farming initiative. Failure of agricultural reforms: Despite these wellintentioned efforts, the agricultural reforms faced challenges. Issues like poor land quality, corruption among officials, and lack of sustained commitment led to the failure of the initiative after three years.

© 2025 upscools. All Rights Reserved.