Revenue Sources of the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)

The Delhi Sultanate financed itself through:

1. Land Revenue (Kharaj): Tax on agricultural produce (1/3 to 1/2 of yield), assessed by measurement (zabt) or crop-sharing. Primary income.
2. Customs Duties: Tariffs on imports/exports at ports (Gujarat, Bengal, Sindh) and inland trade routes. Major revenue.
3. War Booty (Ghanima): Plunder from campaigns against Hindu kingdoms, Mongols, rebels. 1/5 (khums) to state.
4. Tribute (Peshkash): Payments from vassal chiefs/kings for autonomy.
5. Other Taxes: Jizya (poll tax on non-Muslims), zakat (Muslim alms, state-collected), grazing tax, house tax, market fees, mint charges.

These funded a large standing army, monumental architecture (Qutb Minar, Alai Darwaza), and a Persianate bureaucracy.