Explain the market regulations started by Alauddin Khalji. Why did he initiate such regulations?

The market regulations started by Alauddin Khalji were:

1. The soldiers were fed from the produce collected as tax from lands between Ganga and Yamuna, which was fixed at 50 percent of peasant's yield.
2. He fixed the prices of all commodities from food grains, sugar, cooking oil, horses to elephants.
3. He appointed special officers to keep a strict watch on the prices, weight and the activities of the traders.
4. Those merchants who charged more than the prescribed rates or weighed less were severely punished.

Alauddin Khalji had to maintain a huge army to expand his empire and as a safeguard against Mongol attacks. To maintain such a large army, huge amount of money was required. Therefore, he reduced the salaries of the soldiers and imposed heavy taxes on the peasants. But to enable them to meet their expenses within their limited means, he took a number of steps to ensure that the prices did not register much increase. These were the causes of market regulations started by him.