The Sultan himself used to take keen personal interest in the development of agriculture. He abolished zakat (import duty) on grain, and introduced a measurement standard, which continued to prevail till the Mughal period. Who was this Sultan?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) Sikandar Lodi

Explanation:
• Sikandar Lodi (reigned 1489–1517) was the most powerful ruler of the Lodi dynasty. He was known for his administrative efficiency and agricultural reforms.
• To provide relief to the common people and ensure the supply of cheap food, he abolished 'Zakat' (duties) on grain.
• He introduced a new measurement standard for agricultural land known as the 'Gazz-i-Sikandari' (Sikandari yard). It consisted of 32 digits (Angul).
• This measurement system was so effective and standardized that it continued to be the basis for land revenue administration through the Suri period and into the early Mughal period until it was replaced by Akbar's 'Ilahi Gazz'.

Information Booster:
• Sikandar Lodi was a poet who wrote in Persian under the pen name 'Gulrukhi'.
• He transferred the capital from Delhi to Agra.

Additional Knowledge:
• Balban (Option A): Focused more on the 'Blood and Iron' policy to restore the prestige of the crown.
• Alauddin Khalji (Option B): Famous for his 'Biswa' measurement system and price control, but his systems were often too harsh and did not survive long after him.
• Firuz Tughlaq (Option C): Known for building canals and gardens, but he did not introduce the Gazz-i-Sikandari.