Question

Two terms, the Muqta, Muqtai or Muqti and Iqtadars are used regarding the holder of the Iqtas. Which of the following statements clearly distinguishes the difference between the Muqta and Iqtadar?

• A. The Muqti had no territorial position of his own and no claim to any particular region, but the position of the Iqtadar, in theory, though not permanent and hereditary, tended to become permanent and hereditary, tended to become permanent
• B. Almost all provincial governors and the holders of large Iqtas were the Muqtis and the Iqtadars represented small assignments
• C. The Muqti was essentially an administrator of the charge to which he was posted but the Iqtadar had merely to take care of the interests of his assignment
• D. The Muqti was assigned a fixed share in revenue and his financial transactions were audited by the officials of the Revenue Ministry but the Iqtadar had no financial liability to the central exchequer

Answer 1

The correct option is D The Muqti was assigned a fixed share in revenue and his financial transactions were audited by the officials of the Revenue Ministry but the Iqtadar had no financial liability to the central exchequer

The main difference between the Muqta and the Iqtadar was that the Muqta was assigned a fixed share in revenue and his financial transaction was audited by the officials of the Revenue Ministry. This gave a certain amount of transparency. Whereas the Iqtadar had no financial liability to the central exchequer. He had more powers than a Muqta. He was answerable to the Sultan.