Question 3: Examine the role played by zamindars in Mughal India.
Answer:
The zamindars were the people who did not directly participate in the processes of agricultural production, but they enjoyed high status in the society.
(i)The zamindars considered their land as their property (milkiyat). They had control to sell, give and mortage their property.
(ii)They enjoyed many social and economic privileges because of their superior status in society.
(iii)The zamindars belonged to the upper caste which added to their exalted status in society.
(iv)The zamindars rendered certain services (khidmat) for the state. As a result of their service they received and attained higher position in the state.
(v)The zamindars had the right to collect revenue on behalf of the state and also received financial compensation for this work.
(vi)The zamindars had kept strict control over the military resources of the state. They kept a fortress and a well knit armed unit comprising cavalry, artillery and infantry.
(vii)The zamindars also played significant role in developing the agricultural land. They helped in the settlements of farmers by lending them money and agricultural instruments. It resulted in an increase in agricultural produce and the sale and purchase of land by the zamindars. There are also evidences that the zamindars held bazaars. The farmers came to these bazaars to sell their crops.
(viii)If we observe social relation of village of Mughal age as a pyramid then zamindars were at the top. They occupied the highest position in the society.
(ix)No doubt the zamindars exploited the people but their relations with the farmers depended on their mutual togetherness and hereditary part on age. So, they were able to get peasants in case of the revolt against the state.
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