Q7(a). Why Muhammad bin Tughluq is called “Mad Badshah”? Give two reasons.

Muhammad bin Tughluq (1325–1351 CE) is remembered in medieval Indian history as a ruler of extraordinary intellect but poor practical judgment, earning him the title “Mad Badshah.” Chroniclers like Ziauddin Barani and Ibn Battuta described him as highly educated in logic, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, and Islamic jurisprudence, yet prone to impulsive and ill-conceived experiments.

Transfer of Capital from Delhi to Daulatabad

Tughluq shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad to strengthen control over the Deccan and ensure geographic centrality.

• The move required the entire population of Delhi to travel more than 1,200 km, causing exhaustion, deaths, and economic collapse.
• Daulatabad, although strategically located, lacked infrastructure to support such mass migration.
• Within a few years, Tughluq reversed the decision, sending people back to Delhi, exposing administrative instability.

This policy was considered visionary in theory but disastrous in practice.

Introduction of Token Currency (1330 CE)

To address fiscal crisis, Tughluq issued bronze and copper coins with the same value as silver dinars.

• Lack of centralized mints and weak supervision led to massive counterfeiting.
• People produced fake coins at home, leading to hyperinflation and loss of public trust.
• The currency had to be demonetized, and citizens were allowed to exchange coins for silver bankrupting the treasury.

Other Factors Reinforcing the Label

• Over-ambitious military expeditions (Khurasan, Qarachil).
• Harsh taxation in the Doab during famine, causing revolt.
• Constant policy reversals.
• Thus, he is called “Mad Badshah” not for insanity, but for brilliant ideas without administrative practicality.