During the Delhi Sultanate, whose reign is noted for imposing as much as one half of the agricultural produce as land revenue from certain provinces, reflecting very heavy taxation on peasants?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the economic history of the Delhi Sultanate. Land revenue systems were central to the power of the sultans, and different rulers experimented with various rates and methods. One particular Sultan is known for imposing extremely high rates in some areas, reportedly charging up to one half of the agricultural produce as revenue. Recognising this ruler helps you understand how fiscal policies affected peasants and shaped later reforms.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The period is the Delhi Sultanate era.
• The focus is on a reign during which as much as 50 percent of the produce was taken as land revenue in certain provinces.
• The options list several sultans Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Ghiyas ud din Tughlaq, Alauddin Khalji, Firuz Shah Tughlaq and Iltutmish.
• The task is to identify the ruler whose revenue policies included such a high share of produce.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is Alauddin Khaljis market and revenue reforms. To strengthen his army and expand his empire, Alauddin needed large and stable revenue. He introduced a system of rigorous land measurement and in some areas demanded up to one half of the gross produce as state share. He also tried to eliminate intermediaries and fix prices in markets to control inflation. Chroniclers such as Ziauddin Barani describe how heavy these taxes were on peasants. While other sultans also levied revenue, Alauddin Khalji stands out for the specific mention of a one half share in several histories.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the main economic reforms associated with Alauddin Khalji, including price control and revenue changes.Step 2: Remember that he introduced a system where, in some regions, up to 50 percent of the agricultural produce was collected as land revenue.Step 3: Compare this with other sultans: Muhammad bin Tughlaq is known for experiments like shifting the capital and token currency, not specifically for this rate; Firuz Shah Tughlaq focused on irrigation and concessions.Step 4: Identify Alauddin Khalji as the ruler whose reign most clearly matches the description in the question.Step 5: Select Alauddin Khalji as the correct answer from the options.

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Muhammad bin Tughlaq: Known for ambitious experiments such as moving the capital to Daulatabad and introducing token currency, not specifically for the 50 percent produce rate.
• Ghiyas ud din Tughlaq: His short reign focused on consolidating power; he is not mainly remembered for extreme land revenue rates.
• Firuz Shah Tughlaq: Introduced several welfare measures, remissions and irrigation works, and is not usually linked with such harsh revenue demands.
• Iltutmish: An early Sultan who helped stabilise the Delhi Sultanate but did not institute this particular revenue policy.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Alauddin Khalji with Muhammad bin Tughlaq, because both are described as strong and sometimes harsh rulers. However, Muhammad bin Tughlaq is mainly associated with failed experiments and administrative innovations, while Alauddin is tied to strict revenue assessments and price regulations. Keeping these identities separate is essential for answering related questions correctly.

Final Answer:
The Sultan whose reign witnessed as much as half of the agricultural produce being charged as land revenue in some provinces was Alauddin Khalji.