Meaning of the term Diwan-i-Wazriyat used during Delhi Sultanate
The Diwan-i-Wazriyat was a department of the Delhi Sultanate during the medieval period in India. The term “Diwan” refers to a government department responsible for the collection and management of revenue, while “Wazriyat” means “finance” or “treasury.”
The Diwan-i-Wazriyat was responsible for managing the financial affairs of the state. The department was headed by a senior officer known as the Wazir, who was appointed by the sultan. The Wazir was responsible for overseeing the collection of revenue, the management of the treasury, and the disbursement of funds for various government expenses.
The department had a staff of clerks and accountants who were responsible for maintaining detailed records of revenue and expenditures. The records were kept in registers known as the “Muzaffars,” which were used to assess the financial health of the state and to ensure that all revenue and expenditures were accounted for.
During the Delhi Sultanate, the Diwan-i-Wazriyat played an important role in the administration of the state. The department was responsible for ensuring that the government had sufficient funds to meet its expenses, including the salaries of officials, the maintenance of public works, and the expenses of the military.
The revenue collected by the department came from a variety of sources, including taxes on trade and commerce, customs duties, and land revenue. The department was also responsible for managing the state treasury, which held the government’s cash reserves and other valuables.
The Diwan-i-Wazriyat was an important institution in the financial management of the Delhi Sultanate. The department played a key role in maintaining the financial stability of the state and in ensuring that all government expenses were accounted for. It was also responsible for managing the state’s monetary policies and for maintaining the integrity of the currency.
Overall, the Diwan-i-Wazriyat was an important department in the administration of the Delhi Sultanate, responsible for managing the financial affairs of the state and ensuring the smooth functioning of the government.