Malcha Mahal is making headlines as the lieutenant governor has instructed authorities to conduct a five-layered plantation of various flowering trees in the surrounding area, giving it a much-needed facelift.
Important Points:
- The historical Malcha Mahal, originally built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq during the 14th century, served as a hunting lodge.
- Situated in the Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi, it was later known as Wilayat Mahal, given to Begum Wilayat Mahal of Awadh by the government of India in May 1985.
- For more than three decades, it became the residence of Begum Wilayat Mahal’s family, who claimed to be descendants of the Nawab of Awadh. The last member of the family, ‘Prince’ Ali Raza, passed away in 2017.
About Feroz Shah Tughlaq:
- Feroz Shah Tughlaq, born in 1309, was the third ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty, which held power over Delhi from 1320 to 1412 AD.
- His reign lasted from 1351 to 1388 AD, beginning after the demise of his cousin, Muhammad-bin Tughlaq, who ruled from 1324 to 1351 AD.
Feroz Shah Tughlaq’s Rule:
- Facing numerous rebellions during his succession, his empire was smaller than Muhammad’s due to widespread unrest.
- Feroz Shah focused on enhancing the infrastructure of the empire, constructing canals, rest-houses, hospitals, reservoirs, and wells.
- He founded several cities around Delhi, including Jaunpur, Firozpur, Hissar, Firozabad, and Fatehabad.
- The Qutub Minar, which had been damaged by an earthquake, was repaired under his rule.
- He authored his autobiography called the ‘Futuhat-e-Firozshahi.’
- Known for his benevolence and leniency, he refrained from re-conquering provinces that had broken away during Muhammad’s annexation.
- He abolished harsh punishments like cutting off hands and reduced the land taxes imposed by Muhammad.
- Feroz Shah sought counsel from Ulemas and governed in accordance with the Shariat, imposing various taxes on non-Muslim subjects, including Kharaj, Zakat, Kham, Jaziya, and an irrigation tax, all sanctioned by the Ulema.
- He introduced the principle of inheritance in the armed forces, allowing officers to rest and have their children serve in the army on their behalf.
- Under his rule, the Diwan-i-Khairat, an office for charity, and the Diwan-i-Bundagan, a department for slaves, were established.
- Sarais (rest houses) were built for the convenience of merchants and travelers.
- Feroz Shah adopted the Iqtadari framework.
