Question

Describe akbar's system of revenue collection in short way

Answer 1

Abul Fazl wrote a book titled Akbar Nama. Its last volume is called the Ain-i-Akbari. It contains elaborate discussion of the broad features of administration laid down by Akbar. According to Abul Fazl the empire was divided into provinces called subas-

which were governed by a subadar who carried out both political and military functions.which also had a financial officer or diwan.

The subadar was supported by ‘other officers’ for the maintenance of peace and order. The ‘other officers’ included:

The military paymaster: bakhshiThe minister in charge of religious and charitable patronage: sadrMilitary commanders: faujdarsThe town police commander: kotwal

Answer 2

Akbar's review system was more prominent feature of his administration to be followed for a long time, even after the downfall of Mughals with some adaptations. Akbar's accession to the throne marked a new era in the history of administrative reforms. Like evreything else the revenue department also felt the master's touch. During early years of his rule, he made several experiments in this field but didn tget much success. Ultimately, the system, which he introduced with the help of Raja Todar Mal succeded, this system has been called Dahsala system.  Historical Background:  In 1560 Akbar appointed Abdul Majeed Khan as Diwan (Finance Minister). He could not achieve any appreciable success. He was replaced by Aitemad Khan in 1563. He separated the Khalsa lands (of emporeor) from the jagirdari lands. In 1564, Muzaffar Khan was appointed in place of Aitmad Khan. He appointed ten senior qanungoes and got prepared as estimate of the total revenue which was called Hal-i-Hasil. The estimate was not enitrely correct and brought about no useful change. Shahabuud-Din Ahmed Khan, who took over in 1568, restored to Nasq and Kamkut systems by which a range estimate of produce was prepared and revenue was called through land lords and other middlemand.   In 1570, Muzaffar Khan in his second tenure restored back the system based on Hal-i-Hasil and improved it further. Jagirdari lands were also brought under this system, the record, of the quality of land, its produce and revenue prices and others were also fixed under this system, this also provided basis on which Dahsala system was introduced.   Revenue System:  Raja Todar Mal was appointed as Diwan-i-Ashraf in year 1582. He and his deputy, Khwaja Jahan Shah Mansur thoroughly reorganized the revenue system. Historians have expressed different opinions regarding this system, however, the majority of historian agree on the following features of this system:  i). Instead of a hampen rope, the land was measured by bamboo which were joined by iron rings  2). One unit of land was called bigha, which was 60 yards  3). In the beginning Gaz-i-Sikandari was used for measures but later Gaz-i-Ilahi was instroduced.  4). The land was divided into four categories in the polaj land, the chachar land, the parauti land and the banjar land