Medieval Administrative Systems: Iqta, Mansab, Jagir and Revenue — Part 8: FAQ

FAQ

Q1. How was the Iqta system different from a European feudal fief?

The iqta was a revenue assignment, not a land grant. It was transferable (every 3–4 years) and theoretically non-hereditary — the muqti held the iqta at the Sultan's pleasure and could be transferred or dismissed at any time. By contrast, European feudal fiefs were hereditary, permanent, and non-transferable, creating a fixed noble class with entrenched rights. The iqta's transferability was the Sultan's primary mechanism of control over the nobility.

Q2. What were the Zat and Sawar ranks in the Mansabdari system?

Introduced around 1595–96, the dual rank replaced the earlier single number. Zat determined the mansabdar's personal pay (talab-khassa) and position in the official hierarchy. Sawar determined the contingent obligation — the number of horses and horsemen to be maintained and presented at dagh-o-chehra inspections. The sawar rank was always equal to or less than the zat rank. Athar Ali's clarification settled earlier controversies: zat is for status and pay; sawar is for contingent obligation.

Q3. What were the four types of Jagirs under the Mughals?

(a) Tankha Jagir — in lieu of salary; transferable every 3–4 years. (b) Mashrut Jagir — given on specified conditions. (c) In'am Jagir — no service obligation; independent of rank. (d) Watan Jagir — assigned to zamindars in their own homelands; hereditary and non-transferable. Watan jagirs were the most effective instrument for absorbing Indian chieftains (especially Rajput rulers) into the Mughal ruling class.

Q4. What was the Ain-i-Dahsala and why was it significant?

The Ain-i-Dahsala (1580) was Raja Todar Mal's land revenue reform under Akbar. It computed the average produce of different crops and average prevailing prices over the previous ten years (R.Y. 15–24 of Akbar) to set stable revenue rates. One-third of average produce was the state's minimum share. Bamboo tanab rods replaced hempen ropes for accurate measurement. Regions were divided into dastur circles with fixed cash rates for each crop. It made assessment predictable, reduced scope for official discretion, and marked a landmark in Indian administrative history.

Q5. What was the Jagirdari Crisis and how did it contribute to Mughal decline?

The Jagirdari Crisis was a structural fiscal imbalance that intensified under Aurangzeb. As the mansabdar class swelled with Deccanis and Marathas recruited for the Deccan wars, demand for jagirs outstripped available jagir land. In Aurangzeb's reign, out of 924 crore dams of total jama, 724 crore were reserved as paibaqi. Khalisa shrank to about one-fifth of total revenue while four-fifths was alienated in jagirs. Since hasil consistently fell below jama, mansabdars' real incomes declined. This bred noble resentment, weakened central authority, and was one of the principal structural causes of Mughal decline.

---

Cross-references

• For political history of the Delhi Sultanate: delhi-sultanate-political-history
• For political history of the Mughal Empire: mughal-empire-political-history
• For agrarian society and rural economy in medieval India: Unit 10 (Land Revenue) and Unit 11 (Rural Society) in Theme-III
• For detailed military organisation of Sultanate and Mughals: Unit 8 (Army Organisation and Mansab System) in Theme-II