The revenue system initiated by Sher Shah influenced the revenue syste...
Sher Shah was the first Muslim ruler who got the whole of the land measured and fixed the land-tax on it on just and fair principles.The land of each peasant was measured first in “bighas” and then half of it was fixed as the land tax. The settlement made between the Govt. and the peasant in respect of the land revenue was always put in black and white. It influence the revenue system of Akbar.
View all questions of this test
The revenue system initiated by Sher Shah influenced the revenue syste...
The Revenue System of Sher Shah
Sher Shah Suri initiated the revenue system which was known as the "Zabti" system. The system was based on the assessment of land, measurement of land, and collection of revenue. The system was based on the following principles:
- Land measurement: The first step in the system was the measurement of land. The land was measured using a unit of measurement called "Gaz". A team of officials was appointed to measure the land.
- Assessment of land: After the measurement of land, the land was assessed for its productivity. The assessment was done based on the type of soil, irrigation facilities, and other factors.
- Revenue collection: After the assessment of land, the revenue was fixed based on the productivity of the land. The revenue was collected in cash or kind.
- Revenue officials: Sher Shah appointed revenue officials called "Amins" to collect revenue. The Amins were responsible for the collection of revenue from the peasants.
Influence of Sher Shah's Revenue System on Akbar
Akbar, the Mughal Emperor, was impressed by the revenue system initiated by Sher Shah. He adopted the system and made some modifications to it. The following are the modifications made by Akbar:
- Land measurement: Akbar introduced a new unit of measurement called "Bigha". The Bigha was a larger unit of measurement as compared to the Gaz. The Bigha was divided into smaller units called "Biswa".
- Assessment of land: Akbar introduced a new system of assessment known as "Zamindari" system. Under this system, the land was assessed based on the productivity of the land and the revenue was fixed accordingly. The revenue was collected by the Zamindars who were appointed by the Emperor.
- Revenue collection: Akbar introduced a new system of revenue collection known as "Dahsala" system. Under this system, the revenue was fixed based on the average yield of the land over the last ten years. The revenue was collected in cash or kind.
- Revenue officials: Akbar appointed revenue officials called "Munsifs" to collect revenue. The Munsifs were responsible for the collection of revenue from the peasants.
Conclusion
Thus, it can be concluded that Akbar was influenced by the revenue system initiated by Sher Shah. He adopted the system and made some modifications to it. The revenue system of Akbar was more efficient and effective as compared to the revenue system of Sher Shah.