Meaning of the term Sadr-us-sudur used during Delhi Sultanate
The term Sadr-us-Sudur was a high administrative office during the Delhi Sultanate, which was responsible for managing the religious and charitable affairs of the state. The office of Sadr-us-Sudur was established by Sultan Alauddin Khilji, who appointed a scholar named Qazi Mughisuddin to this post in 1290 CE. The Sadr-us-Sudur was the head of the Islamic religious establishment in the Sultanate and was responsible for supervising the religious schools and institutions, appointing judges and other religious officials, and ensuring the proper administration of religious endowments.
The Sadr-us-Sudur was also responsible for overseeing the distribution of charitable funds and donations, including the zakat, a compulsory tax on Muslims, which was collected and distributed by the state. In addition, the Sadr-us-Sudur played an important role in promoting Islamic education and scholarship, supporting the development of Islamic literature, and promoting Islamic culture and values. The office of Sadr-us-Sudur was abolished by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the late 16th century, as part of his efforts to reform the administration of the empire.