Question

How was society divided under the Delhi Sultanate?

Answer 1

• Nobility (top): the ruling princes and nobles mainly foreign Muslims such as Turks and Afghans (later Khilji/Tughlaq courts also included Afghans and Hindustanis). They held the highest offices, received land grants/jagirs or power in place of salaries, and led a luxurious life.
• Administrative, religious and literary classes: the ulema (imams, qazis, muftis, muazzins) and other judicial/administrative officers, plus poets, scholars and doctors. This group was respected, helped run the courts and administration, and wielded considerable influence.
• Merchants and brokers: traders (who grew in importance especially under the Tughlaqs) and commercial agents/ brokers formed an increasingly powerful and wealthy group because of long‑distance trade and finance.
• Urban artisans, soldiers and commoners: craftsmen (weavers, potters, etc.), soldiers, small traders and self‑employed people made up the bulk of town populations; cities were often organized into quarters where people of the same profession lived together.
• Peasants and rural population: cultivators and village folk who paid land revenue formed a large lower tier in rural society.
• Slaves and domestic servants (lowest): bought and sold (Turkish, Greek and Indian slaves were in demand), they occupied the bottom of the social pyramid.