Which one of the following Kings of the medieval India began the ‘Public Distribution System’ ?

Alauddin Khalji
Balban
Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Mohammad-bin Tughlaq

The correct answer is (c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

Firoz Shah Tughlaq was the third ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. He ruled from 1351 to 1388 CE. He was a great builder and administrator. He built many roads, bridges, and canals. He also introduced many reforms in the administration of the state.

One of the most important reforms introduced by Firoz Shah Tughlaq was the Public Distribution System (PDS). The PDS is a system of government-subsidized food distribution to the poor. It was introduced in order to ensure that the poor had access to basic food items at affordable prices.

The PDS is still in operation in India today. It is one of the largest food distribution systems in the world. It provides food to over 800 million people in India.

The other options are incorrect because they did not introduce the PDS.

(a) Alauddin Khalji was the second ruler of the Khalji dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. He ruled from 1296 to 1316 CE. He was a great military commander and expanded the territory of the Delhi Sultanate. However, he did not introduce the PDS.

(b) Balban was the fourth ruler of the Slave dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. He ruled from 1266 to 1287 CE. He was a great administrator and restored order to the Delhi Sultanate. However, he did not introduce the PDS.

(d) Mohammad-bin Tughlaq was the second ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. He ruled from 1325 to 1351 CE. He was a great conqueror and expanded the territory of the Delhi Sultanate. However, he did not introduce the PDS.