Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Mughal empire, at its zenith under Aurangzeb, was underpinned by a complex administrative structure, central to which was the Jagirdari system. This system, a form of land revenue assignment in lieu of salary, was initially a successful mechanism for maintaining a large army and bureaucracy. However, the late 17th century witnessed a significant decline in its efficacy, often referred to as the ‘Jagirdari Crisis’. This crisis wasn’t a sudden collapse but a gradual deterioration stemming from a confluence of factors, including excessive expansion, religious policies, and inherent flaws within the system itself, ultimately impacting the empire’s stability and contributing to its eventual decline.
The Jagirdari System: A Brief Overview
The Jagirdari system involved the assignment of ‘Jagirs’ – land revenue rights – to ‘Jagirdars’ – officials who were responsible for collecting revenue from these lands. This system served multiple purposes: it reduced the need for a large, permanent standing army, incentivized efficient revenue collection, and fostered loyalty among the nobility. Initially, Jagirs were frequently transferred (rotation) to prevent Jagirdars from establishing local power bases. However, this practice evolved over time.
Factors Contributing to the Crisis
1. Aurangzeb’s Policies & Expansion
Aurangzeb’s prolonged Deccan campaigns (1682-1707) placed immense strain on the Mughal treasury. The constant warfare and the need to maintain a large army in the south led to increased expenditure. To finance these campaigns, Aurangzeb resorted to several measures, including increasing taxes and manipulating the Jagirdari system. He granted Jagirs in the Deccan, which were often unproductive and difficult to manage, leading to dissatisfaction among the Jagirdars. His religious policies, particularly the reimposition of the Jizya, also led to rebellions (like those of the Marathas, Jats, and Sikhs) which further drained the empire’s resources.
2. Deficiencies in the System Itself
- Shortage of Khalisa Land: ‘Khalisa’ land was land directly under the emperor’s control. As the empire expanded, the proportion of Khalisa land decreased, limiting the availability of productive Jagirs for assignment.
- Degradation of Jagir Administration: Jagirdars often exploited the peasantry to maximize their profits, leading to agrarian distress and declining agricultural productivity.
- Increase in the Number of Jagirdars: Aurangzeb significantly increased the number of Jagirdars, particularly those of lower ranks (mansabdars), to secure their loyalty. This led to a greater demand for Jagirs, exacerbating the shortage.
- Corruption and Inefficiency: Corruption among revenue officials and the lack of effective oversight contributed to the mismanagement of Jagirs.
3. Rise of Regional Powers
The weakening of central authority due to the Jagirdari crisis coincided with the rise of regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Jats. These groups challenged Mughal authority and further disrupted revenue collection, intensifying the crisis. The Maratha expansion, in particular, significantly impacted the Mughal revenue base in the Deccan.
Manifestations of the Crisis
- Decline in Revenue: The overall revenue collection of the empire declined significantly due to agrarian distress, rebellions, and mismanagement.
- Increased Jagirdari Litigation: Disputes over Jagirs became increasingly common, leading to protracted legal battles and further destabilizing the administration.
- Famine and Peasant Uprisings: The exploitation of the peasantry and declining agricultural productivity led to frequent famines and peasant uprisings.
- Weakening of Central Authority: The Jagirdari crisis undermined the emperor’s authority and weakened the central government’s control over the provinces.
4. Attempts at Reform (Post-Aurangzeb)
Successors of Aurangzeb, like Bahadur Shah I and Muhammad Shah, attempted to address the crisis through various measures. Bahadur Shah I tried to reduce the number of Jagirdars and improve the administration of Jagirs. Muhammad Shah appointed Murshid Quli Khan as the Diwan to reform the revenue system. However, these reforms were largely ineffective due to political instability and the continued decline of central authority. The system of Ijarah (revenue farming) became more prevalent, further exacerbating the plight of the peasantry.
Impact of the Crisis
The Jagirdari crisis had far-reaching consequences for the Mughal empire. It contributed to the empire’s economic decline, political fragmentation, and military weakness. The crisis created a fertile ground for the rise of regional powers and ultimately paved the way for the empire’s disintegration in the 18th century. The weakening of the Jagirdari system also led to a decline in the quality of administration and a loss of confidence in the Mughal government.
Conclusion
The late 17th-century Jagirdari crisis was a complex phenomenon rooted in the inherent flaws of the system, exacerbated by Aurangzeb’s policies and the rise of regional powers. While attempts were made to address the crisis, they proved largely insufficient. The crisis fundamentally weakened the Mughal empire, contributing significantly to its decline and eventual fragmentation. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of over-expansion, unsustainable financial policies, and the importance of a robust and equitable administrative system.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.