Understanding Raja Todar Mal's Role in Mughal Administration

The question asks about the Mughal emperor under whom Raja Todar Mal served as the Revenue Minister. Raja Todar Mal was a significant figure in the history of the Mughal Empire, known for his expertise in land revenue and finance.

Who was Raja Todar Mal?

Raja Todar Mal was a Hindu Khatri who rose to prominence during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. He was renowned for his administrative skills, particularly in financial matters.

Raja Todar Mal as Revenue Minister

Raja Todar Mal served primarily under Emperor Akbar. He held various important positions, including the crucial role of Revenue Minister (also known as the Diwan-i-Ashraf). His most significant contribution was the development and implementation of a new system of land revenue assessment and collection. This system is famously known as the Zabt system or Dahsala system.

• The Zabt system involved careful measurement of land.
• It fixed the state's share on the basis of the average produce of the last ten years.
• Revenue was collected mostly in cash.
• This system aimed at standardizing revenue collection and preventing corruption.

Raja Todar Mal's revenue reforms greatly strengthened the financial stability of the Mughal Empire during Akbar's reign.

Examining the Options

Let's look at the other options provided:

• Humayun: Humayun was Akbar's father. While Todar Mal might have started his career earlier, his significant reforms and the position of Revenue Minister were achieved during Akbar's time.
• Shah Jahan: Shah Jahan reigned much later than Akbar. Raja Todar Mal was not the Revenue Minister during Shah Jahan's time.
• Jahangir: Jahangir was Akbar's son and successor. Raja Todar Mal had passed away before Jahangir ascended the throne.
• Akbar: Raja Todar Mal served as the Revenue Minister under Emperor Akbar and was instrumental in implementing his famous land revenue reforms.

Based on historical records, Raja Todar Mal's most influential period and his role as Revenue Minister were under Emperor Akbar.

Conclusion

Raja Todar Mal was the brilliant Revenue Minister who served during the reign of Emperor Akbar, implementing significant land revenue reforms like the Zabt or Dahsala system.

Revision Table: Mughal Emperors and Key Officials

Additional Information: Akbar's Administration and Revenue

Emperor Akbar is known for his efficient administration and his efforts to consolidate the empire. His reign saw significant administrative reforms, and the land revenue system under Raja Todar Mal was a cornerstone of this administration.

• Akbar's administration was divided into various departments, each headed by a minister.
• The Diwan was the chief finance minister, responsible for revenue and expenditure. Raja Todar Mal held this post.
• The aim of the revenue system was to ensure fair assessment, increase state income, and improve the condition of the peasantry.
• Todar Mal's system categorized land based on its productivity and cultivation history, which helped in fixing revenue rates more accurately.

This system laid the foundation for future revenue administrations in India, including during the British period.