Understanding Mughal Administration: Matching Terms and Roles

This question requires us to match specific terms and official titles from the Mughal period with their respective meanings or functions. Understanding these terms is crucial for comprehending the administrative structure and revenue system of the Mughal Empire.

Analyzing the Mughal Administration Terms

Let's break down each term provided in List I and find its correct description in List II:

• Jama (List I, A): In the Mughal revenue system, 'Jama' referred to the estimated or assessed amount of revenue from a territory or land. It was the amount that was theoretically expected to be collected. Looking at List II, this aligns with "Assessed land revenue".
• Hasil (List I, B): 'Hasil' was the actual amount of revenue collected from a territory or land. This was often different from the assessed amount (Jama) due to various factors like crop failure, collection costs, etc. Looking at List II, this aligns with "Collected land revenue".
• Amil-Guzar (List I, C): An 'Amil-Guzar', often simply called an 'Amil', was a local revenue official responsible for the assessment and collection of land revenue in a specific area (pargana or sarkar). Looking at List II, this aligns with "Revenue collector".
• Mansabdar (List I, D): A 'Mansabdar' was a holder of a 'mansab' (rank) in the Mughal military and administrative hierarchy. Mansabdars performed both civil and military duties and were responsible for maintaining a specified number of troops and horses. Looking at List II, this aligns with "Officer with civil and military duty".

Creating the Correct Match

Based on the analysis above, we can establish the correct matches:

• A. Jama matches with IV. Assessed land revenue.
• B. Hasil matches with I. Collected land revenue.
• C. Amil-Guzar matches with II. Revenue collector.
• D. Mansabdar matches with III. Officer with civil and military duty.

Summary Table of Matching

The correct matching is A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III.

Revision Table: Key Mughal Administrative Terms

Additional Information: Mughal Revenue System and Mansabdari

The Mughal Empire had a sophisticated administrative structure, especially concerning revenue collection and military organization. The Mansabdari system was central to both. Mansabdars were assigned ranks (mansabs) which determined their status, salary, and the number of soldiers and horses they were required to maintain. Their salary often came from revenue assignments called 'jagirs'.

The revenue system aimed at efficient collection of land revenue, which was the primary source of state income. Terms like Jama and Hasil were crucial in tracking the performance of revenue collection in different areas. The Amil-Guzars played a vital role at the local level in interacting with peasants and ensuring revenue reached the state treasury, often via intermediaries or directly depending on the system in place (like the Zabt system under Akbar).