The zamindars held extensive personal lands termed milkiyat, meaning property. Milkiyat lands were.

Milkiyat in Mughal Period

In the Mughal period, the term "Milkiyat" referred to the personal lands of Zamindars. These lands were owned and controlled by the Zamindars, who were the local landowners and revenue collectors appointed by the Mughal Empire.

Explanation:

1. Definition of Milkiyat:
- The term "Milkiyat" in Urdu means ownership or possession. In the Mughal period, it specifically referred to the personal lands owned by the Zamindars.
- The Zamindars were the intermediary landowners who held authority over the agricultural lands and collected revenue from the peasants who cultivated the land.

2. Role of Zamindars:
- The Zamindars played a crucial role in the agrarian society of the Mughal Empire. They were responsible for collecting revenue on behalf of the Mughal Emperor and maintaining law and order in their territories.
- The lands owned by the Zamindars were known as "Milkiyat" and were considered their personal property.
- These lands were passed down through generations within the Zamindar families and were not subject to the same level of taxation as other lands.

3. Relationship between Zamindars and Peasants:
- The Zamindars leased out the land to the peasants for cultivation in exchange for a share of the agricultural produce or a fixed rent.
- The peasants, also known as ryots, worked on the Zamindar's land and paid a portion of their yield as rent or revenue.
- The Zamindars had significant control over the lives of the peasants, including setting the rent, overseeing cultivation practices, and resolving disputes within the village.

4. Importance of Milkiyat:
- The personal lands of Zamindars, known as Milkiyat, provided them with a source of income and power.
- These lands were often more fertile and productive compared to the lands owned by the state or the emperor.
- The revenue collected from the Milkiyat contributed to the wealth and influence of the Zamindars, allowing them to maintain their status and power within the Mughal society.

Conclusion:

In the Mughal period, the term "Milkiyat" referred to the personal lands owned by the Zamindars. These lands played a significant role in the agrarian system, providing the Zamindars with income, power, and control over the peasants.