UPSC Prelims 2019 Question:

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.

Explanation:

• Mughal emperor Akbar introduced the Mansabdari System in his administration to organize nobility and the army. In this system, each and every government officer was given a rank or mansab, hence known as Mansabdars. Mansabdar was paid either in cash (Known as Naqdi Mansabdar) or by giving them grants of land revenue or Jagir (known as Jagirdari Mansabdar/Jagirdar).
  
  
• Thus, jagirdars were assigned lands in lieu of various duties towards the empire such as judicial, police etc. Zamindars were holders of revenue rights but they too has to perform certain services (khidmat) for the state. They had fortresses (qilachas) and military contingencies comprising cavalry, artillery, and infantry. They performed their military duties and rendered soldiers to the royal army in need. So, statement 1 is not correct.
  
  
• Jagir did not confer any hereditary rights on the holder, it only meant that revenue due to the state was to be paid to Jagirdar. The zamindars had a hereditary right to take a share of the agricultural produce. So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Mughal Empire