Correct Answer - Option 3 : Alauddin Khalji
It was Alauddin Khalji who was praised in the prashasti.
Prashastis are a special kind of inscription, meaning “in praise of”. They were composed by learned Brahmans in praise of the rulers, which may not be literally true; but, they tell us how rulers of that time wanted to illustrate themselves. They were exaggeration by Brahmins to get rewards.
Alauddin Khalji
The reign of Alauddin Khilji (Ali Gurshap as he was known) marks the zenith of the Delhi Sultanate. In 1296 A.D. Alauddin Khilji succeeded Jalal-ud-din Firoz Khilji and ascended the throne.
- He was the first Muslim ruler to extend his empire right up to the extreme South of India.
- He conquered Gujarat, Ranathambor, Mewar, Malwa, Jalore, Warangal and Madurai.
- He is also famous for defeating the Mongols more than 12 times.
- During his time a system of price controls had been set up, reduced the salary amount that needed to be paid. Three separate markets were set up in Delhi.
- The first one for food grains, the second for cloth and items such as ghee, oil and sugar. The third market was horses, cattle, and slaves.
- Regulations were laid out for the operations of these markets. He took various steps to control the prices. He exercised supervisions over the market.
- He fixed the prices of all the commodities from top to bottom. Market officers called shahna were appointed to keep a check on the prices. The defaulters were heavily punished.
- Land revenue was fixed and the grain was stored in government granaries. The soldiers and the civil population were greatly benefitted from these measures due to the low prices of the essential goods.
- He also imposed “jaziya tax” or the tax that non-Muslims pay to their Muslim overlords for protection.
