The farmers’ movement that happened recently was one of the major issues of the country. Most of the farmers depend on the yield of their crops. Farmers always hope that their crops will give good profits. But do you know what was the condition of the farmers during the Mughal period? Let us tell you how the farmers used to earn their livelihood during the Mughal Empire?
There were two types of farmers during the Mughal period
The Mughals ruled India from 1526 to 1857. During that time, the people of India had to face many problems. Let us understand how the agricultural system worked during the Mughal Empire. At that time, farmers were called rayat or muzarian. Also, the word kisaan or asami was also used. At that time, there were two types of farmers. First, khud-kasht, who used to do farming on their own land. Second, pahi-kasht, who came from other villages and did farming on contract.
The caste system had an effect on agriculture
During the Mughal period, the caste system had a great influence in the agricultural system, in which farmers were divided into many castes. Panchayats and trade were done on the basis of caste. Zamindars were a major part of agriculture. They used to rent out their land and also collect taxes, which led to exploitation on the basis of caste system.
Tax was determined by the type of crop
According to reports, tax was the backbone of revenue in the Mughal Empire. Taxes were called ‘Jama’ and ‘Hasil’, which were based on the amount of tax determined and collected. However, the tax system was not the same for all types of land. Tax was collected in different ways. Polaj land was taxed more because it yielded crops throughout the year. On the other hand, Parauti land was taxed less because the crops were grown for a short period. The tax system for barren land was different. One-third of the tax was collected as royal duty.
Aurangzeb gave these instructions
Mughal rulers determined taxes by collecting information on land and production. Revenue collection involved assessment and collection of taxes. Akbar also ordered that farmers pay in cash. At the same time, the option of payment in crops was also kept open. The state tried to keep a larger share, but local conditions sometimes prevented full collection. Akbar and his men conducted land surveys. Abul Fazal recorded land data in the Ain. For example, in 1665 AD, Aurangzeb gave clear instructions to his revenue officials to keep an annual account of the number of farmers in every village, but forest areas were not surveyed.
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