3. Write a note on the working of the Mughal land revenue system.

Working of the Mughal Land Revenue System

The Mughal Empire, which spanned from the early 16th century to the mid-18th century, implemented a sophisticated land revenue system that played a crucial role in its administration and economic stability. This system, known as the Mughal Land Revenue System, was devised to efficiently collect revenue from agricultural lands and maintain social and economic order in the empire.

The Mughal Land Revenue System was based on the zamindari system, where revenue was collected from zamindars who were responsible for collecting taxes from the peasants. The empire was divided into provinces called Subahs, which were further divided into smaller administrative units known as Sarkars. Each Sarkar consisted of several Parganas, which were the basic revenue units.

The revenue collection process started with the measurement and assessment of land. The Mughal government employed officials called Amins who surveyed the land and determined its productivity. The assessment was based on various factors such as the quality of soil, availability of water, and crop yields. Once the assessment was completed, a fixed revenue amount was assigned to each Pargana based on its productivity.

The zamindars were responsible for collecting the assigned revenue from the peasants. They were given considerable power and authority in their respective areas to ensure the smooth functioning of the revenue collection process. In return, they were allowed to keep a portion of the collected revenue as their share, known as the zamindari tax.

To prevent exploitation and ensure fair treatment of peasants, the Mughal Land Revenue System introduced several safeguards. The empire appointed officers known as Qanungos who acted as intermediaries between the zamindars and peasants. They maintained records of land ownership, crop yields, and revenue collection to prevent any fraudulent practices. The Qanungos also resolved disputes between the zamindars and peasants.

The Mughal Land Revenue System aimed to strike a balance between revenue generation and the well-being of peasants. The fixed revenue amount assigned to each Pargana remained unchanged for a certain period, usually around 10 years. This provided stability to the peasants and allowed them to plan their agricultural activities without the fear of sudden hikes in revenue.

However, the system had its drawbacks. The fixed revenue amount often did not consider fluctuations in crop yields or natural calamities, leading to financial burdens on peasants during difficult times. Additionally, corruption and exploitation by some zamindars were prevalent, causing further hardships for the peasants.

In conclusion, the Mughal Land Revenue System was a comprehensive framework for collecting revenue from agricultural lands during the Mughal Empire. It aimed to maintain social and economic order while providing stability to the peasants. However, it had its flaws and challenges that hindered its effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did the Mughal Land Revenue System work?

The Mughal Land Revenue System collected revenue from agricultural lands through zamindars who were responsible for tax collection from peasants. The land was assessed based on its productivity, and a fixed revenue amount was assigned to each Pargana. Zamindars collected the revenue and kept a portion as their share.

2. What were the safeguards in place to protect peasants under this system?

The Mughal Land Revenue System introduced the role of Qanungos who maintained records of land ownership, crop yields, and revenue collection. They acted as intermediaries between zamindars and peasants, resolving disputes and preventing fraudulent practices.

3. What were the drawbacks of the Mughal Land Revenue System?

The fixed revenue amount often didn't consider fluctuations in crop yields or natural calamities, causing financial burdens on peasants. Moreover, corruption and exploitation by some zamindars were prevalent, leading to further hardships for the peasants.