Question

Discuss the causes and results of the taxation scheme of Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the Doab.

Answer 1

Muhammad bin Tughlaq realized the importance of a strong and powerful army to strengthen and secure the position of the ruler. To increase military resources, he needed additional revenue. The Ganga-Yamuna Doab (the area between the Ganga and the Yamuna rivers) was a fertile region. The land tax in this area was increased. Unfortunately, the rains failed and a severe famine broke out. People refused to pay the 1 enhanced taxes. But the tax collectors showed no mercy and continued to collect the taxes with such rigour that the peasants were ruined. To escape the tyranny of the tax collectors, the peasants abandoned their lands and fled to the jungles.