Tax on peasantry:

One of the primary ways in which the Mughal rulers and their mansabdars generated income for the empire was through taxing the peasantry. The peasants, who were primarily farmers, were required to pay a portion of their agricultural produce as a form of tax to the government. This tax revenue helped fund the empire's administration, military campaigns, and various other expenses.

Land revenue system:

The Mughal rulers implemented a sophisticated land revenue system known as the zabt system. Under this system, the land was measured, and the revenue was fixed based on the fertility of the land. The peasants were required to pay this revenue in cash or kind, depending on the region and the crops grown. The revenue collected from this system was a significant source of income for the empire.

Other taxes:

In addition to land revenue, the Mughal rulers also imposed various other taxes on the peasantry, such as the jizya tax on non-Muslims, customs duties, and taxes on trade and commerce. These taxes helped generate additional income for the empire and contributed to its economic stability.

Chauth and sardeshmukhi:

The Mughal rulers also levied a tax known as chauth and sardeshmukhi on territories that were not directly under their control. Chauth was a tax of one-fourth of the revenue collected from a region, while sardeshmukhi was a tax of one-tenth. These taxes were collected from conquered lands and served as a significant source of income for the empire.

In conclusion, the Mughal rulers and their mansabdars primarily generated income for the empire through taxing the peasantry, implementing a land revenue system, imposing various other taxes, and collecting chauth and sardeshmukhi from conquered territories. These revenue sources played a crucial role in sustaining the Mughal Empire's economy and financing its administrative and military activities.