FREE IGNOU BHIC-109 SOLVED ASSIGNMENT 2022-23
5. The Mughal Jagir System:
The Mughal jagir system was a land-grant system implemented by the Mughal emperors to manage revenue collection, maintain the military, and reward their nobility for their services. Under this system:
a. Land Grants: The emperor would grant territories or revenue-yielding lands to nobles, military officers, or other individuals in return for their loyalty, military service, and administrative duties.
b. Jagirdar: The recipient of the jagir was known as the jagirdar or zamindar. They were responsible for collecting taxes from the assigned land and maintaining law and order in their respective territories.
c. Revenue Collection: The jagirdars were allowed to collect revenue from the assigned land, but a significant portion was expected to be sent to the imperial treasury. This revenue-sharing ensured that the central administration received a portion of the income generated by the land.
d. Military Obligations: The jagirdars were obligated to maintain a specified number of troops and provide military support to the Mughal emperor during times of war or rebellion.
e. Transferability: The jagirdars did not own the land in perpetuity. The land grants were often temporary and could be reassigned or changed based on the jagirdar’s performance or loyalty.
The jagir system served several purposes:
- Revenue Collection: It provided a system for efficient revenue collection and ensured a steady income for the imperial treasury.
- Military Support: The jagirdars’ military obligations helped the Mughal emperors maintain a standing army and respond to threats effectively.
- Loyalty and Reward: The system allowed the emperors to reward loyal nobles and officers for their services and create a sense of loyalty and obligation towards the central authority.
However, the jagir system had its drawbacks. The temporary nature of the grants sometimes led to short-term focus and neglect of long-term development in the assigned territories. Some jagirdars abused their power, exploiting the peasants and collecting excessive taxes to enrich themselves.
Despite its limitations, the jagir system played a crucial role in the Mughal administration and contributed to the stability and expansion of the empire during the reigns of various Mughal emperors.
