Question 1
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.
AOptions
BSolution
Statement 1 is correct. Jagirdars were indeed holders of land assignments (jagirs) granted by the Mughal emperor in lieu of cash salaries for their services, which often included military, administrative, and judicial duties. These assignments were revenue rights, not land ownership. On the other hand, Zamindars were hereditary landholders or potentates who collected revenue from the peasants on behalf of the state, often possessing certain proprietary rights over the land itself. Their primary obligation to the state was the collection and remittance of revenue, though they also maintained law and order in their respective areas.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Land assignments (jagirs) to Jagirdars were explicitly non-hereditary and frequently transferable. This system was designed to prevent the emergence of local power bases that could challenge central authority and to ensure that officials remained dependent on the emperor. Conversely, the revenue rights and landholdings of Zamindars were largely hereditary and continued across generations, provided they paid the stipulated revenue to the state.
CStrategy
For questions comparing administrative terms or concepts from historical periods, it is crucial to understand the fundamental definitions and distinctions between them. Pay close attention to keywords like 'hereditary,' 'ownership,' 'assignment,' 'duties,' and 'revenue rights.' Creating a mental or physical table to compare features can be highly effective. Eliminate options based on clear factual inaccuracies.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question falls under Indian History, specifically the Medieval Indian History section, focusing on the administrative and economic structures of the Mughal Empire.
EQuestion Analysis
Medium. Requires precise knowledge of Mughal administrative terms and their differentiating characteristics.