Describe main features of land revenue collection system during the Mughal Period.

During the Mughal period in India (1526-1857), the land revenue collection system underwent significant development and refinement. This period marked a consolidation of administrative structures and the implementation of various revenue collection methods that left a lasting impact on the Indian agrarian landscape. Here are the main features of the land revenue collection system during the Mughal period:

1. Zabt System: One of the hallmark features of the Mughal revenue system was the introduction of the zabt system, also known as the fixed revenue system. Under this system, land revenue was assessed and fixed based on the estimated productivity of the land. The revenue demand remained constant for a specific period, usually ten years, providing stability to both the farmers and the state. However, the assessment was often based on past records and estimates, which could lead to inaccuracies and exploitation.

2. Measurement of Land: The Mughal administration invested significant efforts in the accurate measurement of land for revenue assessment. The measurement units varied across regions, with the bigha being a common unit of measurement. Skilled surveyors were employed to demarcate land boundaries and calculate land area, ensuring fairness and accuracy in revenue assessment.

3. Assessment of Revenue: Revenue assessment was primarily based on the fertility and productivity of the land. Factors such as soil quality, water availability, and agricultural potential were taken into account during the assessment process. Revenue officials, known as amils or qanungos, conducted surveys and assessments to determine the revenue demand from each plot of land.

4. Crop Sharing System: In addition to the zabt system, the Mughals also implemented a crop-sharing system known as the batai system. Under this system, a portion of the produce was collected as revenue instead of fixed cash payments. The exact share of the produce varied depending on the agreement between the state and the cultivator. This system provided flexibility, especially in areas where cash payments were not feasible.

5. Revenue Assignments: The Mughal emperors often granted revenue assignments, known as jagirs, to nobles, officials, and military commanders as a form of payment or reward for their services. Jagirdars, or holders of jagirs, were responsible for collecting revenue from the assigned territory and remitting a portion to the imperial treasury. This system helped in maintaining loyalty among the nobility but also led to issues of corruption and exploitation at the local level.

6. Role of Zamindars: Zamindars, or landowners, played a crucial role in the Mughal revenue system. They were responsible for collecting revenue from the peasants and remitting it to the state treasury. Zamindars often held significant power and influence in their respective territories, acting as intermediaries between the state and the cultivators. While some zamindars were appointed by the Mughal administration, others were hereditary landowners who inherited their positions.

7. Revenue Administration: The Mughal revenue administration was highly organized and hierarchical. At the top was the emperor or the provincial governor, who oversaw the entire revenue system. Revenue officials such as the diwan, subahdar, and faujdar were responsible for revenue collection, administration, and law enforcement at the provincial and district levels. The revenue records were meticulously maintained in registers known as the "bandobast" to ensure transparency and accountability.

8. Impact on Agriculture: The Mughal revenue system had a profound impact on agriculture and rural society. While the fixed revenue system provided stability to the farmers, excessive taxation and corrupt practices by revenue officials often led to economic hardships and agrarian unrest. Peasants were sometimes subjected to forced labor, arbitrary taxation, and land seizures, exacerbating their poverty and indebtedness.

In conclusion, the Mughal revenue collection system was characterized by the zabt system, measurement of land, assessment of revenue based on land productivity, crop-sharing arrangements, revenue assignments, the role of zamindars, and a hierarchical revenue administration. While the system aimed to generate revenue for the imperial treasury and maintain stability in the agrarian economy, it also led to exploitation, corruption, and agrarian discontent, contributing to the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire.