In Bahamani Kingdom, 'Sadre-i- Jahan' was the chief of which of the following department?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

The official known as 'Sadre-i-Jahan' (also spelled Sadr-i-Jahan) held a position of immense religious and legal importance in the administrative structure of the Bahmani Sultanate (1347–1527 CE). This officer was designated as the Chief of the Judicial and Charities Department. Since the Bahmani Sultanate was a Muslim state, the Sadre-i-Jahan was responsible for upholding the Sharia (Islamic law) in the kingdom, acting as the Chief Justice (or Chief Qazi) who oversaw the entire judicial administration. Furthermore, his duties extended to the management of religious grants and endowments, known as *sadr* and *inams*, and distributing charitable funds to the needy. Therefore, his role combined the highest judicial authority with the stewardship of the state's religious and charitable affairs.

The incorrect option is 2 (Military): The chief military administrator of the Bahmani Kingdom was generally known as the *Amir-ul-Umra*, who commanded the army under the Sultan. The Sultan himself was the commander-in-chief, and the military administration was distinctly separate from the functions of the Sadre-i-Jahan.

The incorrect option is 3 (Foreign): The minister responsible for foreign affairs and managing diplomatic relations, as well as supervising the royal court, was the *Wazir Ashraf*. This role involved state correspondence and protocol, completely distinct from the religious and judicial duties of the Sadre-i-Jahan.

The incorrect option is 4 (Revenue (including land revenue)): The head of the Finance Department, which managed the kingdom's revenue, expenditure, and land revenue system, was typically known as the *Amir-i-Jumla* in the Bahmani administrative system. This department dealt with fiscal policies, not legal or charitable matters.