Analyse the administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate by addressing the following aspects:

(a) The role and powers of the Sultan in governance.

(b) The organisation and functions of the Central Government.

(c) Land Revenue System

(a) The Sultan was an absolute ruler, often exercising considerable power over his subjects. He ruled with the help of nobles. The law was based on the Islamic tradition. Qazis and Ulemas played important roles in the judicial and religious aspects of governance. The power of the Sultan was based on the military force, the loyalty of nobles, and strong administrative systems. He administered all the functions of the government. Though wars were frequent, the Sultan's income also came from taxes, trade, and land revenue, not just booty.

(b) The government was run under various departments. Four departments were most important. Each department was supervised by a minister or a high officer. The Wazir was the Prime Minister. He headed the diwan-i-wizarat. The Diwani-Arz looked after the military organisation, headed by Ariz-i-Mumalik. The Qazi was the Chief Justice and the judicial system was based on the Islamic Law. The department of diwan-i-insha looked after the state correspondence. The diwan-i-risalat looked after religious affairs and education.

(c) Land revenue was the main source of income for the Delhi Sultans. Some land was reserved for the Sultan, and its revenue was used for his personal expenses. The remaining land was given to officers and nobles, who kept part of the revenue as salary and used another part to maintain soldiers, still keeping enough for a luxurious life.

Revenue was categorized into:

1. Kharaj (tax on cultivation)
2. Jizya (tax on non-Muslims)
3. Khams (one-fifth of war booty)
4. Zakat (tax on flocks, herds, gold, silver, etc. from Muslims)

A separate Agriculture Department, Diwan-i-Amir Kohi, managed land revenue collection, assisted by officers like Muqqadams and Patwaris.