The Dahsala system under the administration of Akbar was related to:
land revenue system
Understanding Akbar's Dahsala System
The question asks about the nature of the Dahsala system introduced during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar. This system was a significant administrative reform focused on a crucial aspect of the empire's economy.
The Dahsala System Explained
The Dahsala system, also known as the Ain-i-Dahsala, was a comprehensive land revenue system introduced by Raja Todar Mal, Akbar's finance minister. Its primary goal was to fix the state's share of the produce more scientifically and stably.
Key features of the Dahsala system include:
- It was based on the average produce and average prices of different crops over the past ten years (hence 'Dahsala' meaning ten years).
- The land was surveyed and measured accurately.
- The average yield of the land over the past decade was calculated.
- The average price of the produce over the past decade was calculated.
- Based on these averages, the cash value of the state's share was fixed for the next ten years.
- Generally, the state's share was fixed at one-third of the average produce.
This system aimed to bring predictability and stability to land revenue collection, benefiting both the state and the farmers by reducing uncertainty and preventing excessive demands based on annual fluctuations.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at why the other options are not related to the Dahsala system:
- Diplomatic missions: Diplomatic missions involved sending representatives to other rulers or states for political purposes. The Dahsala system was purely an internal administrative and economic measure concerning land and agriculture.
- Export and import of stones: This relates to trade and commerce of specific commodities. While important for the economy, the Dahsala system was specifically about agricultural produce and land taxation, not trade in stones.
- Cultural meet: Cultural meets involve gatherings for promoting arts, literature, music, or other cultural activities. The Dahsala system was a bureaucratic and economic reform for revenue administration, entirely distinct from cultural events.
Therefore, the Dahsala system was directly and solely related to the land revenue administration of the Mughal Empire under Akbar.
| System | Key Function | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Dahsala System | Land Revenue Administration | Akbar's Reign (introduced) |
| Other Systems (e.g., Zabti before Dahsala) | Various methods of assessment | Preceded/Developed into Dahsala |
Conclusion on Dahsala System
Based on historical accounts and the administrative structure of the Mughal Empire under Akbar, the Dahsala system was fundamentally a method for assessing and collecting land revenue. It rationalized the revenue demand over a ten-year period, providing a more stable and predictable system compared to previous methods.
Revision Table: Akbar's Administration & Dahsala
| Aspect | Akbar's Reform | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Land Revenue | Dahsala System (Ain-i-Dahsala) | 10-year average calculation for revenue assessment. |
| Military & Civil | Mansabdari System | Ranking system for nobles and military commanders. |
| Religious Policy | Sulh-i-Kul (Universal Peace) | Policy of tolerance towards all religions. |
| Judicial | Establishment of Qazis and Mir Adls | System for dispensing justice. |
Additional Information: Raja Todar Mal and Dahsala
The Dahsala system was primarily the work of Raja Todar Mal, who served as the Finance Minister (Diwan-i-Ashraf) under Akbar. He had extensive experience in revenue administration, having worked under Sher Shah Suri before joining Akbar's service. Todar Mal's expertise was crucial in surveying vast tracts of land, classifying them based on fertility, and developing the sophisticated methods used in the Dahsala system. This reform greatly improved the financial stability of the Mughal Empire and reduced opportunities for corruption among revenue officials. The system was implemented in the core provinces of the empire, particularly those in the North and North-West.
Important Questions from Mughal empire
Which of the following statements about Lachit Borphukan is/are correct?
1. He was a General of the Ahom Force.
2. He is known for his leadership in the Battle of Saraighat.
3. Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal is given to the best cadet at the National Defence Academy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which one of the following is the correct meaning of ziyarat?
Which one among the following statements about the Mansabdari system is correct?
What is the name of the award given to meritorious men in the Mughal Court in the form of a robe of honour that was once worn by the Emperor?
Whose administration became a model that was followed by Akbar when he consolidated the Mughal Empire?
