Q.(a) How revenue from the land was the economic mainstay of the Mughal Empire ? Explain with examples.

Showing the 12 most recent of 24 on this concept.

1. CBSE 2026Set 61/1/11 markMCQ
   Q.Which of the following chronicles was authored by Abul-Fazl ? (A) Babur-Nama (B) Humayun-Nama (C) Akbar-Nama (D) Padshah-Nama

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Abul-Fazl authored the Akbar-Nama, the official court chronicle of Emperor Akbar’s reign.

   The Mughal court produced a rich tradition of historical writing, with emperors commissioning official chronicles to record their reigns and justify their rule. Among the most famous of these is the Akbar-Nama, written by Abul-Fazl, one of Akbar’s closest advisors and a key figure in the Mughal administration.

   Abul-Fazl was a scholar, historian, and the prime minister (Vakil) of Akbar. He was part of the Navaratnas (nine gems) of Akbar’s court. His Akbar-Nama is divided into three volumes: the first covers the history of the Mughal dynasty from Timur to Humayun, the second details Akbar’s reign year by year, and the third is the Ain-i-Akbari, a detailed administrative manual describing the empire’s institutions, revenue system, and social conditions.

   Note

   The Ain-i-Akbari is often treated as a separate work, but it is actually the third volume of the Akbar-Nama.

   The other options are works by different authors:

   • Babur-Nama – the autobiography of Babur, written by Babur himself in Chagatai Turkish. …

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2. CBSE 2026Set 61/2/11 markMCQ
   Q.Choose the correct option to fill the blank : Tribal Communities during 16th and 17th centuries [Diagram: three linked boxes with an arrow from each region to its tribal community - Punjab -> Lohani ; Assam -> ? ; Mewar -> Bhils] (A) Ahoms (B) Gonds (C) Meenas (D) Khasis

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   The question asks which tribal community was prominent in Assam during the 16th–17th centuries. The Ahoms established a powerful kingdom in the Brahmaputra valley and ruled Assam for six centuries, making the answer (A).

   This is a straightforward question about matching tribal communities to their historical regions during the early modern period in India. The pattern shows three regions paired with their dominant tribal groups, and we need to identify which community was associated with Assam.

   Let me work through each option by examining the historical geography of these tribal communities:

   1. The Ahoms and Assam

      The Ahoms were a Tai group who migrated from present-day Myanmar and established the Ahom kingdom in the Brahmaputra valley around 1228 CE. By the 16th and 17th centuries, they had built a sophisticated state structure in Assam, successfully resisting Mughal expansion multiple times. They ruled Assam for nearly 600 years until the British annexation in 1826. Their association with Assam is unambiguous and well-documented.

   2. The Gonds and Central India

      The Gonds were (and remain) one of India's largest tribal groups, concentrated in the forested highlands of central India — primarily Gondwana, which spans parts of present-day Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. During the 16th–17th centuries, Gond kingdoms like Garha-Katanga and Chanda flourished in this region, not in Assam.

   3. The Meenas and Rajasthan

      The Meenas were a tribal community of Rajasthan, particularly strong in the Amber (Jaipur) and Alwar regions. They had their own chieftaincies before being gradually absorbed into Rajput kingdoms. Their territory was in western India, far from Assam.

   4. The Khasis and Meghalaya …

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3. CBSE 2026Set 61/2/11 markMCQ
   Q.Which among the following was not the major factor for the development of agriculture during Mughal India ? (A) Availability of land in abundance (B) Availability of cheap labour (C) Mobility among the peasants (D) Availability of tube-wells for irrigation

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   The question asks to identify which factor was not significant for agricultural development in Mughal India. Tube-wells are a modern irrigation technology and were not available during the Mughal period, making (D) the correct answer.

   The core idea behind this question is to test your understanding of the historical context of agricultural practices in Mughal India. When evaluating factors for development, we need to consider what technologies and socio-economic conditions existed during that specific era. The key is to identify the option that is anachronistic – something that did not exist or was not prevalent at the time.

   1. Analyze the historical context of Mughal agriculture:

      During the Mughal period (roughly 16th to 18th century), agriculture was the backbone of the economy. The state actively encouraged cultivation to maximize land revenue. Factors like land availability, labour, and traditional irrigation methods were crucial.

   2. Evaluate option (A) - Availability of land in abundance:

      Mughal India was a vast empire. While some regions were densely populated, there were extensive tracts of uncultivated land, especially in frontier areas or regions recovering from conflict. The state often encouraged peasants to bring new lands under cultivation to increase agricultural output and, consequently, state revenue. This was indeed a major factor.

   3. Evaluate option (B) - Availability of cheap labour:

      India had a large rural population, and the vast majority were engaged in agriculture. This meant there was an abundant supply of labour, which was generally cheap for landlords and the state. This availability of labour was essential for intensive cultivation and expansion. This was also a major factor.

   4. Evaluate option (C) - Mobility among the peasants:

      While peasants were often tied to their villages by social and economic bonds, there was a degree of mobility. Peasants might migrate to new areas in search of better land, to escape famine, excessive taxation, or oppression. The state sometimes encouraged this mobility by offering incentives to settle and cultivate new lands (e.g., pahis or migrant cultivators). This mobility, while sometimes a sign of distress, also contributed to the expansion of agriculture into new regions and the re-cultivation of abandoned lands. Thus, it played a role in agricultural development.

   5. Evaluate option (D) - Availability of tube-wells for irrigation: …

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4. CBSE 2026Set 61/3/11 markMCQ
   Q.Fill in the blank with the appropriate word from the options given below : The Shah Nahar Canal in Punjab was repaired during the reign of ____________. (A) Babur (B) Akbar (C) Jahangir (D) Shahjahan

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   The Shah Nahar Canal, originally built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, was significantly repaired and extended during the reign of Shahjahan to supply water to his new city, Shahjahanabad.

   The Mughal Empire, known for its vast administrative structure and architectural marvels, also placed considerable emphasis on public works, including irrigation systems. These systems were crucial for agricultural productivity, which formed the backbone of the empire's economy, and for supplying water to the burgeoning urban centers and grand imperial gardens. The construction and maintenance of canals were a testament to the engineering capabilities and administrative foresight of the Mughal rulers.

   Among the notable irrigation projects, the Shah Nahar, or Royal Canal, holds significance. This canal was not a new construction during the Mughal era but rather an ancient waterway that saw renewed attention and extensive repair. Originally, a canal was dug by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century to bring water from the Yamuna River to his hunting lodge and later to the city of Hissar. Over time, like many such structures, it fell into disrepair.

   During the reign of Shahjahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, there was a renewed focus on grand architectural projects and urban planning. Shahjahan is renowned for establishing the magnificent city of Shahjahanabad (present-day Old Delhi) and constructing iconic structures like the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. To ensure a consistent and abundant water supply for this new capital city, its palaces, and its populace, the old canal system needed to be revitalized.

   Important

   The Shah Nahar Canal was originally constructed by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century. Its significant repair and extension during the Mughal period were undertaken to meet the water demands of Shahjahanabad.

   It was under Shahjahan's patronage that the old canal was extensively repaired, re-excavated, and significantly extended. This project involved considerable engineering effort to ensure the canal could efficiently transport water from the Yamuna River over a long distance to Shahjahanabad. The repaired and extended canal became a vital lifeline for the new city, providing water for drinking, irrigation of gardens, and various other needs. This act of repairing and extending an existing canal rather than building an entirely new one demonstrates a practical approach to resource management, leveraging existing infrastructure. …

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5. CBSE 2026Set 61/3/11 markMCQ
   Q.Which of the following types of land was cultivated every year without leaving it fallow during the reign of Akbar ? (A) Chachar (B) Parauti (C) Polaj (D) Banjar

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Polaj was the land cultivated continuously every year without being left fallow during Akbar's reign.

   The Mughal agrarian system under Akbar was remarkably sophisticated, and the revenue administration needed precise categories to assess land productivity and tax liability. Akbar's revenue minister, Todar Mal, introduced a systematic classification of agricultural land that reflected how frequently it could be cultivated and how productive it was. This classification wasn't arbitrary—it directly determined the revenue demand placed on peasants.

   The Mughals recognized that not all land was equal. Some tracts were so fertile and well-irrigated that they could bear crops year after year without exhaustion. Others needed periodic rest to recover their fertility. This practical understanding shaped the four main categories of land recorded in Akbar's revenue records.

   Polaj represented the highest quality agricultural land—fields that were so productive and well-watered that they could be cultivated every single year without leaving them fallow. This was the most valuable category from a revenue perspective because it generated consistent, reliable output. Farmers working polaj land could expect to sow and harvest annually, and the state could count on regular tax income from these tracts.

   The other categories reflected decreasing levels of productivity:

   • Parauti was land left fallow for a time to recover its fertility, then brought back under cultivation. It couldn't sustain continuous cropping.
   • Chachar referred to land left fallow for three or four years before being cultivated again—it needed longer recovery periods. …

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6. CBSE 2025Set 61/1/11 markMCQ
   Q.Which one of the following statements is most appropriate regarding the zamindars of 16th and 17th century India ? (A) The zamindars were the exploitative class for the peasants. (B) The zamindars collected revenue on behalf of the state. (C) They always maintained cordial relations with the villagers. (D) The zamindars had small piece of lands for personal use.

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Zamindars in Mughal India were primarily revenue intermediaries who collected land revenue on behalf of the state, not landlords in the modern sense.

   The question asks us to identify the most accurate characterisation of zamindars during the Mughal period. To understand this, we need to grasp what the term "zamindar" actually meant in sixteenth and seventeenth-century agrarian society.

   In Mughal administrative vocabulary, a zamindar was not simply a landlord. The term literally means "landholder," but the role was far more complex. Zamindars were individuals or groups who held hereditary rights over land in a particular locality. Crucially, their primary function in the Mughal revenue system was to act as intermediaries between the state and the cultivators. The state assigned them the responsibility of collecting land revenue from the peasants in their area and remitting it to the imperial treasury.

   This intermediary position gave zamindars considerable local power. They knew the terrain, the villages, and the cultivators. They often commanded small armed retinues and enjoyed social prestige in their regions. But their authority derived from their role in the revenue apparatus — they were not absolute owners of the land in the way a modern landlord might be.

   Let us now examine each option:

   • (A) The zamindars were the exploitative class for the peasants: While zamindars certainly extracted surplus and could be oppressive, this statement is too sweeping and ideologically loaded. The relationship was more nuanced. Some zamindars did exploit peasants, but others maintained relatively stable, even protective relationships with cultivators. The NCERT does not characterise them uniformly as an "exploitative class."

   • (B) The zamindars collected revenue on behalf of the state: This is the core administrative function that defined the zamindar's role in Mughal India. They were revenue collectors, agents of the state's fiscal machinery. This is explicitly stated in the NCERT textbook's discussion of agrarian relations. …

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7. CBSE 2025Set 61/2/11 markMCQ
   Q.Identify the ruler of India from the sixteenth century with the following information and choose the correct option : - He went on a pilgrimage to Ajmer fourteen times. - He sought blessings for new conquests and the birth of sons from Ajmer Sharif. Options : (A) Sultan Ghias-ud-din Khalji (B) Shah-Jehan (C) Akbar (D) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   The ruler described, known for his numerous pilgrimages to Ajmer Sharif in the sixteenth century to seek blessings for conquests and sons, is Akbar.

   To identify the ruler, we need to match the given historical details with the reign and known practices of the options provided. The core concept here is historical chronology and the specific cultural and religious practices of prominent Indian rulers. The details about the sixteenth century and the repeated pilgrimages to Ajmer Sharif for specific reasons are highly distinctive.

   1. Analyze the Time Period: The first crucial piece of information is "sixteenth century". This immediately helps us filter the given options.

      • (A) Sultan Ghias-ud-din Khalji: Ruled the Malwa Sultanate from 1469 to 1500. His reign primarily falls in the late 15th century.
      • (B) Shah-Jehan: Mughal emperor who ruled from 1628 to 1658. His reign is in the 17th century.
      • (C) Akbar: Mughal emperor who ruled from 1556 to 1605. His reign perfectly fits the sixteenth century.
      • (D) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq: Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate who ruled from 1325 to 1351. His reign is in the 14th century.

      Based on the "sixteenth century" criterion, options (A), (B), and (D) can be eliminated, leaving only Akbar.

   2. Verify with Specific Details: Now, let's confirm if the remaining option, Akbar, aligns with the other details: …

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8. CBSE 2025Set 61/2/11 markMCQ
   Q.Which of the following statements is true regarding the land revenue system of the Mughals ? (A) The revenue collectors collected tax of land in cash only. (B) The cultivated lands were taxed without any measurement. (C) Revenue from the land was the economic mainstay of the empire. (D) The tax collectors used to collect taxes with the help of Sahukars.

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   The land revenue system was the most crucial source of income for the Mughal Empire, funding its vast administration and military.

   The Mughal Empire, spanning centuries, relied heavily on a well-structured and often complex land revenue system to sustain its vast administration, powerful military, and opulent court. This system was not static but evolved, with significant reforms introduced by emperors like Akbar, particularly through his finance minister, Raja Todar Mal. Understanding this system is key to grasping the economic backbone of the empire.

   At its core, the Mughal land revenue system aimed to extract a share of the agricultural produce from the peasants. This share was the primary source of imperial income, making it the economic mainstay of the empire. Without this consistent flow of revenue, the Mughals would not have been able to maintain their extensive territories, fund their numerous campaigns, or undertake grand architectural projects.

   A defining feature of the Mughal land revenue system, especially under Akbar, was the emphasis on systematic measurement and assessment. The 'zabt' system, also known as the Dahsala system, was a sophisticated method of revenue assessment. It involved:

   • Detailed Land Measurement: Cultivated lands were meticulously surveyed and measured using a bamboo rod joined by iron rings (tanab) to ensure accuracy.
   • Land Classification: Lands were categorized based on their fertility and frequency of cultivation (e.g., Polaj for land continuously cultivated, Parauti for land left fallow for a short period, Chachar for land fallow for 3-4 years, and Banjar for uncultivated land).
   • Average Produce and Prices: The average produce of different crops and the average market prices over the previous ten years were calculated. This helped in fixing a fair and stable revenue demand.
   • State's Share: The state's share was generally fixed at one-third of the average produce, though it could vary.

   Note

   The 'zabt' system was a significant improvement over earlier, less systematic methods, aiming for greater fairness and predictability in revenue collection. It required extensive administrative machinery and record-keeping.

   Regarding the mode of payment, while the revenue was assessed as a share of the produce (in kind), the imperial administration generally preferred and encouraged payment in cash. This was largely for administrative convenience, as it simplified accounting and provided the state with a liquid asset that could be used anywhere. However, payment in kind (ghalla bakhshi) was also an option, especially in certain regions or for specific crops, or when cash was scarce. Therefore, stating that revenue was collected "in cash only" would be an oversimplification and not entirely accurate. …

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9. CBSE 2025Set 61/2/11 markMCQ
   Q.Identify the correct statement from the following regarding the role of women in agrarian society of the Mughal State. (A) Only artisanal work were done by women. (B) Women worked in the fields with men. (C) Remarriage were not allowed for divorced women. (D) Women were totally independent.

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Women in Mughal agrarian society played a crucial and active role in agricultural production, working alongside men in the fields. The correct statement is that (B) Women worked in the fields with men.

   Concept and Intuition

   To understand the role of women in Mughal agrarian society, it's important to consider the fundamental nature of pre-industrial agricultural economies. In such societies, the household was the primary unit of production, and survival depended on the collective labor of all family members. This meant that women were not confined solely to domestic chores but were integral to the economic activities that sustained the family and contributed to the state's revenue.

   The Mughal state, being predominantly agrarian, relied heavily on agricultural output. Historical records and observations from the period indicate that women's labor was indispensable in various stages of cultivation, from preparing the fields to processing the harvest. Their contributions were not merely supplementary but foundational to the agrarian economy.

   Step-by-Step Analysis

   1. Evaluating Option (A): Only artisanal work were done by women.

      • This statement is incorrect. While women did engage in artisanal work, such as spinning, weaving, pottery, and craft production, especially in rural areas to supplement family income, it was not their only economic activity. In an agrarian society, agricultural labor was paramount, and women's involvement in it was extensive. The word "only" makes this statement factually wrong.

   2. Evaluating Option (B): Women worked in the fields with men.

      • This statement is historically accurate. Numerous historical sources, including Ain-i-Akbari (a detailed record of Akbar's administration) and accounts by European travelers, confirm that women actively participated in agricultural labor. They were involved in tasks such as sowing seeds, weeding, harvesting crops, threshing, and winnowing. Their labor was essential for the entire agricultural cycle. In many peasant households, the division of labor was often complementary, with men and women sharing responsibilities in the fields and at home.
      Important

      The participation of women in agricultural labor was a defining feature of agrarian societies, including Mughal India. Their work was crucial for both subsistence and surplus production.

   3. Evaluating Option (C): Remarriage were not allowed for divorced women. …

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10. CBSE 2025Set 61/4/11 markMCQ
    Q.Which of the following informations were included in the tables of the sarkars in the Ain-i-Akbari ? I. Grants of revenue in charity II. Total area measured III. Number of forts IV. Biographies of officials Options : (A) I, III and IV (B) I, II and III (C) I, II and IV (D) II, III and IV

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    The tables of the sarkars in the Ain-i-Akbari included grants of revenue in charity, total area measured, and the number of forts — but not biographies of officials.

    The Ain-i-Akbari, compiled by Abu'l Fazl in the late sixteenth century, stands as one of the most remarkable administrative documents of the Mughal Empire. It was the third volume of the Akbarnama and served as a detailed gazetteer and statistical account of Akbar's empire. Among its many features were elaborate tables that recorded information about the administrative divisions called sarkars — subdivisions of the larger provinces (subas).

    These sarkar tables were designed to give the emperor and his officials a comprehensive picture of the empire's resources and administrative structure at a glance. The information was meticulously organized and included several key categories.

    Grants of revenue in charity (madad-i-ma'ash) were carefully recorded. The Mughal state made numerous grants to religious scholars, Sufi establishments, temples, and other deserving individuals or institutions. These grants exempted the recipients from paying revenue and were an important part of the empire's relationship with religious and cultural elites. The Ain documented these to track how much revenue was being diverted from the state treasury for charitable and religious purposes.

    Total area measured was another critical piece of information. The Mughals undertook extensive land surveys, and the measured area of cultivable land in each sarkar was recorded. This data was essential for revenue assessment and for understanding the agricultural potential of different regions. The measurement was typically given in bighas, the standard unit of land measurement.

    Number of forts in each sarkar was also included. Forts were strategic military installations and symbols of political control. Knowing their number and location helped the administration assess the defensive strength of different regions and plan military deployments. This was particularly important in an empire that was constantly expanding and consolidating its hold over diverse territories. …

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11. CBSE 2024Set 61/1/11 markMCQ
    Q.Which of the following statements is correct regarding Ain-i-Akbari? (A) Akbar Nama was the third book of Ain-i-Akbari. (B) Manzil-abadi deals with the civil administration of the Mughals. (C) Sipah-abadi deals with the imperial household of the Mughals. (D) Mulk-abadi deals with the fiscal side of the Mughal empire.

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    The Ain-i-Akbari is the third volume of the Akbar Nama, and its three parts (Manzil-abadi, Sipah-abadi, Mulk-abadi) cover the imperial household, the military, and the fiscal administration respectively — so only option (D) is correct.

    The question tests your knowledge of the structure of the Ain-i-Akbari, the famous administrative record compiled by Abul Fazl during Akbar’s reign. Many students confuse the three abadi sections or mix up the Akbar Nama and Ain-i-Akbari themselves. Let’s clear that up.

    1. First, the big picture: Akbar Nama and Ain-i-Akbari are not the same thing.

       The Akbar Nama is the official biography of Akbar, written by Abul Fazl. It has three volumes:

       • Volume I: Covers Akbar’s ancestors and his early reign.
       • Volume II: A detailed year-by-year account of Akbar’s reign (up to 1602).
       • Volume III: This is the Ain-i-Akbari — a separate administrative manual appended to the biography. So option (A) says “Akbar Nama was the third book of Ain-i-Akbari” — that’s backwards. Actually, Ain-i-Akbari is the third book of the Akbar Nama. Hence (A) is false.

    2. Now, the three abadi sections inside the Ain-i-Akbari.

       The Ain-i-Akbari is divided into five parts (called daftars), but the three most famous ones are:

       • Manzil-abadi: Deals with the imperial household — the emperor’s court, the royal kitchens, the stables, the mint, etc.
       • Sipah-abadi: Deals with the military — the army, its organisation, pay, equipment, and the mansabdari system.
       • Mulk-abadi: Deals with the fiscal side — revenue administration, land revenue systems, taxation, and the provinces (subas).

       Let’s check each option against this:

       • (B) says “Manzil-abadi deals with the civil administration of the Mughals.” No — Manzil-abadi is about the imperial household, not civil administration. Civil administration (like provincial governance, law, etc.) is not its focus. So (B) is wrong. …

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12. CBSE 2024Set 61/1/11 markMCQ
    Q.Choose the correct pair regarding the profile of rural people during the Mughal period: List I (Name) / List II (Profile) (A) Mallahzadas – Village Headman (B) Muqaddam – Banker (C) Shroff – Boatman (D) Muzarian – Peasant

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Mughal rural society had distinct occupational categories with specific Persian/Hindustani terms. Muzarian referred to peasants who cultivated land, making (D) the correct pair.

    The Mughal administration developed a sophisticated vocabulary to classify rural inhabitants by occupation and social function. Understanding these terms reveals how the empire organized agrarian society and collected revenue.

    The key is recognizing that Mughal administrative documents used Persian and Arabicized terms alongside local Hindustani words. Each term carried precise meaning in the context of village economy and revenue extraction.

    Let me examine each pairing:

    1. Mallahzadas were not village headmen. The term derives from mallah (boatman) + zada (born of, descendant). Mallahzadas were communities associated with water transport and fishing—essentially boatmen or those from boating castes. The village headman was typically called muqaddam or chaudhuri.

    2. Muqaddam served as the village headman, not a banker. This official held significant local authority: he collected revenue from cultivators, maintained village records, and acted as intermediary between the peasantry and imperial revenue officials. The muqaddam often came from dominant peasant lineages and wielded considerable influence in village affairs.

    3. Shroff were money-changers and bankers, not boatmen. In Mughal commercial networks, shroffs tested coin purity, exchanged currency, provided credit, and facilitated long-distance trade through hundis (bills of exchange). They were essential to both urban markets and rural credit systems. …

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