Consider the following statements regarding Akbar’s administrative system:

1. Dahsala Bandobast (Zabt system) fixed land revenue based on the average produce of the past two years.

2. Mansabdars were assigned ranks based on Zat (status) and Sawar (cavalry) and were paid either in cash or jagirs.

3. Jagirdari system was introduced by Akbar to replace the Iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

The correct answer is Only one.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is Incorrect:
  • Dahsala Bandobast (Zabt system) was introduced by Raja Todar Mal under Akbar.
  • It fixed land revenue based on the average produce of the past ten years, with one-third of the average yield collected as tax (usually in cash).
• Statement 2 is correct:
  • Mansabdars were ranked based on Zat and Sawar:
  • Zat determined personal status and salary.
  • Sawar determined the number of cavalrymen they had to maintain.
  • They were paid in cash or through Jagirs, but jagirs were not hereditary.
• Statement 3 is incorrect:
  • Jagirdari was not introduced by Akbar; it evolved from the Iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Under Akbar, Jagirs were assigned to Mansabdars for revenue collection, but they did not own the land.