Question

What was the role of zamindars under the Mughal administration? List out 3 responsibilities.

Answer 1

Instructions: First introduce the concept of who a zamindar is and then state 3 duties under the Mughal court. Remember to highlight key responsibilities such as collecting land revenue, taxes and maintaining law and order as most important duties. Use these to write at least 3 points.

Solution: The zamindars were the landowners in the villages and people of importance. Some of their key responsibilities were as follows:

• The zamindars collected land revenue as fixed by the Mughal court. They kept a fixed portion of revenue for themselves and gave the rest to the Mughal court.
• Some zamindars had the right to collect small local taxes from the villagers. They acted as intermediaries between the court and the peasants, helping in communicating local issues and enforcing royal laws.
• In order to maintain law and order in their village and surrounding areas, the zamindars were allowed to keep a small band of soldiers with guns and horses.