In the context of Mughal period, consider the following statements abo...
Background:The Mughal period in India, which lasted from the 16th to the 18th century, witnessed significant socio-economic changes. The Mughal emperors introduced various administrative and agrarian reforms, which had an impact on different sections of society, including the peasants. Khudkasht was a class of peasants during this period. Let us analyze the given statements about Khudkasht in detail.
1. They were the peasants who owned the land they tilled.
The first statement is correct. Khudkasht peasants were indeed the ones who owned the land they cultivated. They had the right to possess and use the land, unlike other categories of peasants who were often dependent on landlords or the state for land.
2. They were exempted from paying land revenue.
The second statement is incorrect. Khudkasht peasants were not exempted from paying land revenue. In fact, they were required to pay a share of their produce as land revenue to the Mughal state. This revenue was collected by the officials of the state.
3. They were often exploited by the muzarian.
The third statement is incorrect. The term "muzarian" is not commonly used in the context of the Mughal period. It is possible that there was a typo or misinterpretation of the term. However, if we assume that it refers to the local zamindars or landlords, then it is not accurate to say that Khudkasht peasants were often exploited by them. As mentioned earlier, Khudkasht peasants owned the land they cultivated, which provided them with some level of autonomy and protection against exploitation.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - Statement 1 only. Khudkasht peasants were the ones who owned the land they tilled, but they were not exempted from paying land revenue. It is important to note that the socio-economic conditions and experiences of peasants during the Mughal period varied depending on several factors, such as region, local power dynamics, and specific agrarian policies implemented by the Mughal administration.