What is the difference between jagirdar and Zamindar?

In the Mughal Empire, Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of assigned duties towards the empire such as police, judiciary etc,  while Zamindars, being holders of revenue rights, also had to render military duties and provide soldiers for the royal army, while also giving gifts to the royal court.

During the Mughal Empire, zamindars belonged to the nobility and formed the ruling class. Emperor Akbar granted them mansabs and their ancestral domains were treated as jagirs. Under British colonial rule in India, the permanent settlement consolidated what came to be known as the zamindari system.

For further reading, check the following articles:

• Zamindar System
• Mansabdari System
• Delhi Sultanate