Meaning of the term Khams used during Delhi Sultanate
The term “Khams” was a revenue system that was implemented during the Delhi Sultanate, which lasted from the 13th to the 16th century in the Indian subcontinent. The word “Khams” is derived from the Arabic word “Khamsa,” which means “five.”
Under the Khams system, a fifth of the booty obtained from conquest or war was collected as revenue by the state. This revenue was typically collected in kind, with the captured goods being stored in state granaries or sold in markets to generate revenue for the state. The Khams system was designed to provide a steady source of revenue for the Sultanate, and it was often used to fund military campaigns or other state expenses.
During the Delhi Sultanate, the Khams system was implemented in various parts of the Sultanate’s territories. It was particularly important in the context of military campaigns, where the Sultanate’s armies would often capture goods, wealth, and other resources from conquered territories. The Khams system helped to ensure that the state received a share of the captured resources, and it also helped to regulate the market for goods obtained through conquest.
However, the Khams system was also criticized for its potential to be exploitative. Some soldiers and commanders could demand higher than necessary amounts of captured goods or abuse their power to gain more resources for themselves. Additionally, the Khams system could be subject to corruption or abuse by state officials, who could manipulate the system to benefit themselves or their allies.
Overall, the Khams system was an important aspect of the Delhi Sultanate’s revenue system, and it played a significant role in shaping the economic and social structures of the time, particularly in the context of military campaigns and conquests.