**Zabt and Zamindar**

Zabt and Zamindar are terms used in the context of land revenue administration during the Mughal period in India. These terms are associated with the system of revenue collection and the role of the zamindars, who were the local revenue collectors under the Mughal empire. Let's delve into the details of zabt and zamindar to understand their significance.

**Zabt:**
Zabt refers to the revenue assessment system introduced by the Mughals in the 16th century. It was a fixed revenue system where the land revenue was assessed and fixed for a specific period, usually for a span of ten years. The assessment was based on the fertility of the land, the crops grown, and the potential income that could be generated from the land. Zabt aimed to ensure a stable and predictable revenue collection system.

Under zabt, the Mughal administration appointed revenue officials known as amils to assess and collect revenue from the zamindars. The amils were responsible for measuring the land, determining the crop productivity, and fixing the revenue demand accordingly. The revenue assessment was done through a detailed survey called the "measurement of holdings" or "patta." The revenue demand was fixed in cash, which the zamindars were required to pay to the Mughal administration.

**Zamindar:**
Zamindar refers to the local revenue collector or landlord who held the authority to collect revenue from the peasants or cultivators in a specific area. The zamindars were appointed by the Mughal administration and were given the responsibility to collect the fixed revenue demand from the peasants and deliver it to the amils.

The zamindars played a crucial role in the Mughal revenue administration system. They were responsible for maintaining law and order in their respective areas, resolving disputes among the peasants, and ensuring the collection of revenue. In return for their services, the zamindars were entitled to retain a certain portion of the revenue collected as their share, known as the "nankar." The remaining revenue was handed over to the amils.

The zamindars held a privileged position in the society as they enjoyed a considerable amount of power and authority. They were considered as intermediaries between the Mughal administration and the peasants. However, their role was not without challenges as they often faced resistance from the peasants due to the burdensome revenue demands and exploitative practices.

In conclusion, zabt refers to the fixed revenue assessment system introduced by the Mughals, while zamindar denotes the local revenue collectors who played a pivotal role in revenue collection and administration. These concepts are significant in understanding the land revenue system of the Mughal period and the functioning of the agrarian society during that time.

Zamindars are headmen or local chieftains called zamindars by Mughals to whom peasants paid taxes. Zabt is a revenue system in which there is a survey of crop yield,prices and areas for 10 years.(1570-1580).Each provinces was divided into revenue circles with rates on crops and gave tax as cash.It is introduced by Todar Mal Akbar's revenue minister.This system is not followed in Bengal and Gujarat but is in Mughal administration.