Mughal Administration

1. Which one of the following statements about the headman of the village

Which one of the following statements about the headman of the village panchayat in medieval India is not true ?

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The office of the headman was always hereditary
The chief function of the headman was to supervise the preparation of village accounts
One of the duties of the headman was to ensure the proper working of the caste system
In eastern India, all marriages were held in the presence of the headman
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The statement “In eastern India, all marriages were held in the presence of the headman” is not true about the headman of the village panchayat in medieval India.
Village headmen (known by various names like Muqaddam, Chaudhuri, Mandal, etc.) played a crucial role in medieval Indian village administration, acting as intermediaries between the state and the village community.
While the office of the headman often became hereditary (A), the state retained the power of appointment and dismissal. Headmen were responsible for revenue collection and keeping village accounts (B). They also played a role in maintaining social order and ensuring the proper functioning of the caste system within the village (C). However, mandatory presence of the headman at *all* marriages across vast regions like eastern India is not a well-documented, universal duty. Marriages were primarily social and religious ceremonies governed by caste rules and family customs, often involving caste elders rather than solely the village headman.

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2. During the Mughal period, the term milkīyat denoted which one of the f

During the Mughal period, the term milkīyat denoted which one of the following ?

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Jagirs held by Jagirdars
Ijaras held by Ijaradars
Personal lands of Zamindars
Personal property of Mansabdars
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The term ‘MilkÄ«yat’ in the Mughal period primarily referred to private ownership rights, particularly associated with land. Among the given options, ‘Personal lands of Zamindars’ best fits this description as Zamindars often held proprietary rights (milkÄ«yat) over certain lands, in addition to their rights to collect revenue from larger areas.
Milkīyat signified proprietary rights or ownership of land, distinct from revenue assignments (Jagirs) or revenue farming contracts (Ijaras).
While Milkīyat could also apply to the private lands of peasants with full ownership, the option specifically mentions Zamindars, who were a significant class holding such rights. Jagirs were temporary assignments of revenue, Ijaras were contracts for revenue collection, and Mansabdars were military and civil officials whose rank determined their salary, often paid through Jagirs, not necessarily personal land ownership denoted by Milkīyat in this context.

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3. During the Mughal period, the word `wakil` referred to

During the Mughal period, the word `wakil` referred to

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lawyers in the Imperial Court.
lawyers in a Civil Court.
agents of nobles and regional rulers.
None of the above.
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During the Mughal period, the word `wakil` often referred to agents or representatives. While it could denote a high administrative post (`Wakil-us-Saltanat`), in a broader sense, it meant a representative acting on behalf of someone else.
Nobles, regional rulers, and even ordinary individuals could have a `wakil` to represent their interests at the imperial court, in legal matters, or administrative affairs.
The term encompassed a broader role than just ‘lawyer’ in the modern sense and was commonly used for agents or deputies acting on behalf of others, particularly powerful individuals or entities.

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4. The term `pahi-kashta` refers to which one of the following ?

The term `pahi-kashta` refers to which one of the following ?

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Resident cultivators
Landless cultivators
Non-resident cultivators
Peasants with more than 5 acres of land
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The term `pahi-kashta` in the Mughal agrarian system referred to non-resident cultivators.
These peasants cultivated land in villages where they did not permanently reside, often moving from their home village (`khud-kashta`) to cultivate land elsewhere, sometimes on more favourable terms.
`Khuda-kashta` were resident cultivators who owned land in the village where they lived. The `pahi-kashta` were more mobile and could be invited by Zamindars or Jagirdars to cultivate land to increase revenue.

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5. The Diwan-i-Aam referred to

The Diwan-i-Aam referred to

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a collection of popular poetry
the hall of public audience
the senior most citizen
a rank in the Mughal Government
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The Diwan-i-Aam referred to the hall of public audience in Mughal palaces.
– The term ‘Diwan’ in Mughal administration generally refers to a hall or court. ‘Aam’ means ‘public’ or ‘common’.
– The Diwan-i-Aam was a large hall or courtyard within Mughal palaces where the emperor would hold public audiences. In this hall, the emperor would meet common people, hear their petitions, and dispense justice.
– This architectural feature was a standard part of Mughal palaces built during the reigns of emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, seen in forts like Agra Fort and Red Fort, Delhi.
In contrast to the Diwan-i-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khas was the hall of private audience, where the emperor would meet with ministers, nobles, and selected visitors for important discussions. Both were significant parts of the ceremonial and administrative structure of the Mughal court.

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6. With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the co

With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct ascending order in terms of size?

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Paragana-Sarkar-Suba
Sarkar-Paragana-Suba
Suba-Sarkar-Paragana
Paragana-Suba-Sarkar
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The correct ascending order of administrative divisions in medieval India in terms of size is Paragana – Sarkar – Suba.
During the Mughal administration, the empire was divided into several provinces, known as Subas. Each Suba was headed by a Subedar. Subas were further divided into divisions called Sarkars. A Sarkar was administered by a Faujdar. Below the Sarkar were smaller units called Paraganas (or Mahals), consisting of a number of villages. A Paragana was overseen by officials like the Shiqdar, Amin, Qanungo, etc. The smallest unit of administration was the village. Thus, the hierarchy from smallest to largest was Village < Paragana < Sarkar < Suba < Empire. The ascending order of the given options is Paragana (smallest) < Sarkar < Suba (largest).
This administrative structure evolved over time, with roots in the administrative systems of the Delhi Sultanate. The Mughals, particularly Akbar, refined and standardized this system across their vast empire. Understanding these administrative divisions is crucial for studying the political and economic history of medieval India.

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7. With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences

With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar?

  • 1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection.
  • 2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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Neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Jagirdars were holders of revenue assignments (jagirs) given in lieu of cash salaries for their service to the state (military, administrative, etc.). They were primarily concerned with revenue collection from their assigned areas, not necessarily judicial or police duties directly, though they might hold administrative posts that included such duties. Zamindars were hereditary landholders or intermediaries who had rights to collect revenue from peasant cultivators, often with additional local administrative powers. Their primary obligation to the state was the punctual payment of the agreed-upon revenue.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Land assignments (jagirs) to Jagirdars were temporary and transferable, not hereditary. They were usually transferred every few years to prevent the Jagirdar from developing strong local roots. Revenue rights of Zamindars, on the other hand, were largely hereditary, often based on long-standing claims or customs, although the state could sometimes modify or abolish these rights.
The Jagirdari system was a system of assigning revenues of a territory to nobles and officers in lieu of salary during the Mughal period. The Zamindari system pre-existed the Mughals in various forms and was adopted and formalized by them as a method of revenue collection. The key difference lies in the nature of their relationship with the state and the land/revenue: Jagirdars were assignees of revenue for service, while Zamindars were hereditary intermediaries with rights over land/revenue collection.

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8. Consider the following statements: 1. Under Akbar, the system of Zab

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. Under Akbar, the system of Zabt was established over a large area from Punjab to Awadh.
  • 2. In the seventeenth century North India, the system of Zabt lost much ground to the system of Kankut.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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The correct answer is (A) 1 only.
Statement 1 is correct. The Zabt system, also known as the Dahsala system, was a comprehensive land revenue assessment method based on measurement and average produce over the past ten years. It was implemented by Raja Todar Mal during Akbar’s reign in the core areas of the Mughal Empire, covering fertile regions from Punjab to Awadh, and parts of Malwa, Delhi, and Agra.
Statement 2 is incorrect. While other methods of assessment like Batai (crop-sharing) and Kankut (estimation of standing crop) were used alongside Zabt, especially in areas where Zabt was difficult to implement, it is not accurate to say that Zabt “lost much ground” to Kankut specifically across North India in the 17th century. Zabt remained the preferred and most systematic method in the well-administered regions, though its efficiency varied, and other methods continued to be prevalent or even gained importance in certain areas due to practical reasons or administrative challenges.
The Zabt system was a significant administrative reform of Akbar’s reign, aiming for a more rational and stable revenue collection. However, it was complex and required detailed land surveys and record-keeping, which limited its universal application throughout the vast empire.

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9. Which one of the following statements about the religious policies of

Which one of the following statements about the religious policies of the Mughal kings is NOT correct ?

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The tax on pilgrimage was abolished in 1563, and the jizya tax on non-Muslim Subjects was abolished in 1564
Akbar issues instructions to his officers to follow the policy of religious toleration
Not all Mughal emperors gave grants for the building and mainte-nance of places of worship
Grants were issued for the repair of a number of temples in the reigns of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, after they had been destroyed during war
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The correct option is D.
The question asks which statement about the religious policies of Mughal kings is NOT correct.
A) This statement is correct. Akbar abolished the pilgrimage tax in 1563 and the jizya tax (tax on non-Muslims) in 1564 as part of his policy of religious tolerance.
B) This statement is correct. Akbar’s policy of sulh-i kul explicitly instructed officers to follow a policy of religious toleration.
C) This statement is correct. While emperors like Akbar were known for granting funds for the building and maintenance of places of worship of different religions, later emperors, particularly Aurangzeb, adopted more restrictive policies, although even he made some grants to temples under certain circumstances. So, it is true that not all Mughal emperors consistently gave grants for all places of worship.
D) This statement is incorrect. While Shah Jahan was relatively tolerant and may have issued grants for temple repairs, Aurangzeb is generally known for policies involving temple destruction or restrictions, not for issuing grants for the repair of temples destroyed during war. His reign saw instances of temple destruction, particularly in areas annexed or during conflicts. Therefore, claiming that grants were issued for the repair of ‘a number of temples’ after destruction during war in Aurangzeb’s reign is not historically accurate as a general policy or significant practice.
Aurangzeb’s religious policy was more orthodox compared to his predecessors. While there are complex debates about the extent and nature of his policies, the statement about issuing grants for the repair of a number of temples destroyed during war does not align with the overall historical evidence regarding his approach towards temples damaged or destroyed during conflicts.

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10. Which one of the following pairs of term and meaning is NOT correctly

Which one of the following pairs of term and meaning is NOT correctly matched ?

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Khalisa : Villages whose income went directly to the State Treasury
Mauza : Rebellious territory
Inam : Land allotted to learned and religious man
Jagir : Territorial assignment given to Mansabdars in lieu of salary
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The pair “Mauza : Rebellious territory” is NOT correctly matched.
In the context of land revenue administration, particularly during the Mughal and British periods, a ‘Mauza’ (or mouza/mouza) referred to a revenue village or a cluster of villages treated as a revenue unit. It was not related to rebellious territory.
A) **Khalisa:** Correctly matched. These were lands whose revenue was reserved for the imperial treasury.
C) **Inam:** Correctly matched. These were usually grants of revenue-free land given to learned or religious persons, or for charitable institutions.
D) **Jagir:** Correctly matched. These were assignments of land revenue (not necessarily land itself, but the right to collect revenue from a specific area) given to Mansabdars (military and civil officials) in lieu of cash salaries. The jagir was the territorial unit from which the Mansabdar collected revenue.

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