Under the Delhi Sultanate what was the name of the state laws that grew under the monarchy, even if they violated the Shari’at? 

The Correct answer is Zawabit.

Key Points

• Zawabit refers to the state laws or secular decrees enacted by the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate.
• These laws were implemented alongside Islamic Shari'at, even if they occasionally contradicted it.
• The Sultans of Delhi used Zawabit to address administrative, military, and political challenges that required a more pragmatic approach than was provided by religious laws.
• Zawabit was often used for purposes such as tax collection, land revenue management, and ensuring law and order in the empire.
• They symbolized the monarchical authority of the Sultan and the necessity of governance beyond purely religious guidelines.
• This system allowed the Delhi Sultanate to function as a stable and centralized empire, addressing the needs of a diverse population and fostering administrative efficiency.

 Additional Information

• Farman
  • A Farman was a royal edict or decree issued by the Sultan.
  • It was primarily used for specific orders or commands related to governance, appointments, or administrative matters.
  • Farmans were binding and carried the seal of the Sultan, making them authoritative.
• Iqta
  • Iqta was a system of land revenue administration and management under the Delhi Sultanate.
  • In this system, land was granted to nobles or officers (Iqtadars) in return for military service and administrative responsibilities.
  • The revenue collected from these lands was used to maintain the army and other administrative functions.
• Fatwas
  • A Fatwa is a religious ruling or legal opinion issued by an Islamic scholar based on Islamic law (Shari'at).
  • Fatwas were primarily used to resolve religious or legal questions and did not serve as state laws like Zawabit.
  • They were advisory in nature and carried significant religious weight in Islamic societies.