2019 · Medieval HistoryPrevious Year Question
Q51.
With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar? 1. Jagirdars were holders or land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection. 2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights or Zamindars were not hereditary. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer

D

Explanation

• The Sultan was the fountain pen of judiciary system in Mughal period. He was all in all in the state .He was responsible for any kind of error in the state. The second agency of judiciary was the Qazi. Qazi had a bigger role in the judiciary system in the state and he held the court and gave justice. Whereas Jagirdars were those mansabdars who were given salary in lieu of military service in terms of jagirs(land). Hence statement 1 is not correct. The judicial and police functions were performed locally by zamindars. • An important feature of the jagir system was shifting of jagir-holders from one jagir to another for administrative reasons. This system of transfers checked the jagirdars from developing local roots. Thus jagirs were transferable and could be seized too. Zamindars on the other hand were hereditary. The zamindars were present in practically every part of the Mughal Empire and held the most significant position in the agrarian structure of Mughal India. Hence statement 2 is not correct.