Assertion (A): Malguzaras or primary Zamindars were the holders of proprietary, hereditary, alienable rights over agricultural and habitational lands. They acquired those rights upon assuring the Mughal state that they would bring forests and wastelands under cultivation, maintain and extend cultivation and pay the Kharaj or māl regularly.
Reason (R): Malguzars could either cultivate the land themselves, that is Khud-Kasht, or with the help of family labour or hired labour and also the proprietors of other villages as per requirement.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Analysis of Assertion (A)
Assertion (A) states that Malguzaras, or primary Zamindars, held proprietary, hereditary, and alienable rights over agricultural and habitational lands. It further explains that these rights were granted upon their assurance to the Mughal state to develop wastelands, maintain cultivation, and regularly pay revenue (Kharaj or māl). This statement accurately describes the historical role and rights of Malguzaras within the land revenue system.
Analysis of Reason (R)
Reason (R) details how Malguzars could manage cultivation. It specifies that they could cultivate land directly (Khud-Kasht) using family or hired labor, or act as proprietors of other villages. This statement correctly outlines the operational methods available to Malguzars for land management and cultivation.
Relationship Between Assertion (A) and Reason (R)
Reason (R) serves as a correct explanation for Assertion (A) because the methods of cultivation described in (R) directly relate to the assurances given to the state mentioned in (A). The Malguzars' assurance to bring wastelands under cultivation and maintain/extend cultivation (Assertion A) was fulfilled through the practices like Khud-Kasht and managing labor detailed in Reason (R). Therefore, the operational capacity described in (R) underpins the state's willingness to grant the proprietary and hereditary rights mentioned in (A), making (R) a valid explanation for (A).
Both statements (A) and (R) are correct, and (R) provides the correct explanation for (A).
Important Questions from Mughal empire
Where did the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, die?
Which was an administrative subdivision of a Mughal province?
Which of the following statement is untrue about Akbar's Rajput policy ?
Which position was more important in the central administration of the Mughals?
Which of the following was the most important method of assessment of land revenue during the Mughal times ?
