Q. During the Mughal period, under the Zabti system, land revenue was assessed and was required to be paid
(a) In cash or kind
(b) Only in cash
(c) Only in kind
(d) By the zamindar on behalf of the peasants
Ans: (a) In cash or kind
Explanation: During the Mughal period, under the Zabti system, land revenue was assessed and was required to be paid (a) in cash or kind.
The Zabti system, also known as the Dahshala system, was a land revenue assessment and collection system implemented by the Mughal administration. According to this system, the land revenue was assessed based on the measurement of cultivated land and the estimated yield of crops.
Under the Zabti system, peasants were given the flexibility to pay their land revenue in either cash or kind. Cash payments were usually preferred by the Mughal administration, as it provided a standardized means of revenue collection and facilitated trade and commerce. However, in cases where cash was not readily available, peasants were allowed to make payments in the form of agricultural produce or goods.
The assessment of land revenue under the Zabti system was carried out by revenue officials known as “Amins” or “Qanungos.” They would measure the land, record the estimated yield, and calculate the corresponding revenue that was due from the peasants. The peasants themselves were responsible for making the payment directly to the Mughal treasury or its representatives.
So, option (a) in cash or kind is the correct answer.
