Which statements are correct about the Karkhanas (workshops) in the Delhi Sultanate?
(A) According to the Masalikul Absar, Muhammad Tughlaq had in his embroidery workshop 4000 silk workers and as many gold-brocade weavers.
(B) Afif calls royal workshops karkhanas, which under Firoz Shah Tughlaq numbered 100.
(C) Many were subsidised (ratibi); others were supposed to pay for themselves (ghair-Ratibi).
(D) The ghair-ratibi included workshops for robe-making, banner-making and carpet-weaving.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

(A) is correct: According to Masalikul Absar, Muhammad Tughlaq did have a significant number of workers in his embroidery workshop, with 4000 silk workers and a similar number of gold-brocade weavers.
(C) is correct: Many of the karkhanas were subsidized (ratibi) by the state, providing financial support to workers. However, other workshops (known as ghair-ratibi) had to pay for their own maintenance.
(D) is correct: Ghair-ratibi workshops included various crafts such as robe-making, banner-making, and carpet-weaving, where the workers were responsible for funding their own work.
(B) is incorrect: Afif does refer to royal workshops as karkhanas, but there is no historical record stating that under Firoz Shah Tughlaq, the workshops numbered exactly 100. This number is likely exaggerated or imprecise in historical texts.

Information Booster:

Karkhanas in the Delhi Sultanate were crucial for producing a wide range of goods, from textiles and arms to other specialized crafts.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq: Known for his reforms, Firoz Shah is remembered for his efforts to promote handicrafts, including the establishment of various karkhanas to support state-run industries.
Ghair-ratibi and Ratibi: These two terms represent different management styles for the workshops. Ratibi workshops were supported by the state, while ghair-ratibi workshops operated independently, where workers funded their own activities.

Additional Knowledge:

Muhammad Tughlaq's Workshops: Muhammad Tughlaq was known for establishing a vast array of workshops, which included many skilled artisans who worked under the patronage of the state.

Afif's Account: The writings of Afif are invaluable as they provide insight into the organization and functioning of the administrative and economic systems under the Tughlaq rulers.