In the history of the Delhi Sultanate, which ruler is famous for being the only one to rigorously fix prices of different commodities, strictly enforce quality control and ensure easy availability of essential goods in the markets?

Introduction / Context:
This question highlights an important aspect of economic administration in the Delhi Sultanate. One Sultan is particularly remembered for his bold and strict market regulations. He not only fixed prices of many commodities but also enforced quality standards and attempted to guarantee a steady supply of essential goods at controlled rates. Understanding who implemented these measures helps you connect state power with control over the economy in medieval India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The period is the Delhi Sultanate.
• The ruler in question fixed prices of several commodities.
• He enforced strict quality control and ensured availability of essential goods.
• The options name Iltutmish, Alauddin Khalji, Raziya Sultan, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and Firuz Shah Tughlaq.

Concept / Approach:
The central concept is the market reforms of Alauddin Khalji. To maintain a large and well paid standing army, he had to keep prices of food grains, cloth, horses and other items low and stable. He created separate markets, fixed maximum prices, used spies to check violations and punished hoarding and black marketing. These regulations were unusual for their rigour and scope, and chroniclers like Ziauddin Barani describe them in detail. No other Sultan is credited with such a comprehensive and strictly enforced price and quality control system.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Alauddin Khalji is often associated with strong administrative measures, including land revenue reforms and market control.Step 2: Remember that he fixed prices of essential commodities and set up special markets for grains, cloth and horses.Step 3: Note that he used a network of spies and severe punishments to ensure that merchants did not violate price or quality rules.Step 4: Compare this with the reigns of Iltutmish, Raziya and the Tughlaq sultans, none of whom are primarily remembered for such detailed market regulations.Step 5: Select Alauddin Khalji as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Iltutmish: Known for consolidating the Sultanate and issuing coins but not for systematic price fixing policies.
• Raziya Sultan: Remembered as the only woman to sit on the Delhi throne, not for economic reforms of this type.
• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq: Focused mainly on restoring order after Alauddins successors; major market regulation is not his hallmark.
• Firuz Shah Tughlaq: Emphasised welfare measures and public works, but did not implement the kind of rigid price and quality control seen under Alauddin.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up Alauddin Khalji with Muhammad bin Tughlaq, because both are described as powerful and sometimes harsh rulers. However, Muhammad bin Tughlaq is famous for experiments like token currency and capital shift, whereas Alauddin is clearly tied to price control and market regulation. Keeping these associations straight will help you avoid confusion in questions about medieval economic policies.

Final Answer:
The only Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate who rigorously fixed commodity prices, enforced quality control and ensured easy availability of essentials was Alauddin Khalji.