Al-Maqrizi vs Sangha

Al-Maqrizi was appointed muhtasib, responsible for regulating markets, weights, measures, and public morals in Cairo. This position gave him insight into economic conditions and corruption, which he later criticized in his writings.

Al-Maqrizi wrote a treatise on the famines and plagues that struck Egypt in the early 15th century, analyzing their causes including government corruption, currency debasement, and agricultural decline. He blamed Mamluk policies for the suffering.

Al-Maqrizi resigned as chief judge of the Maliki school in Cairo, citing corruption and interference by Mamluk officials. This act reflected his principled stance and disillusionment with the political establishment.

Al-Maqrizi completed his monumental topographical history of Cairo and Egypt, detailing the city's districts, mosques, markets, and monuments. The work includes economic and social history, documenting the decline of the Mamluk state.

Al-Maqrizi compiled a chronicle of the Mamluk sultanate from 1250 to 1440, focusing on political events, plagues, famines, and monetary crises. The work is a primary source for the decline of the Mamluk state in the 15th century.

Sangha, a Tibetan monk, was appointed as finance minister of the Yuan dynasty. He continued Ahmad Fanakati's policies of state monopolies and tax collection, further centralizing fiscal control under the Mongol court.

Sangha enforced strict tax collection through state monopolies on salt, iron, and tea, using coercive measures against defaulters. His policies increased revenue but caused widespread hardship among Chinese peasants and merchants, fueling resentment.

Sangha was executed on orders of Kublai Khan following accusations of corruption, embezzlement, and abuse of power. His death marked the end of a period of heavy-handed fiscal policies and led to a temporary relaxation of state monopolies.