The main source of income for Mughal rulers was primarily derived from agriculture and land revenue. Below is a detailed explanation of this economic foundation.
Agricultural Revenue
- The Mughal Empire was predominantly agrarian, with the majority of the population engaged in farming.
- Land revenue was collected from peasants who cultivated the land, forming the backbone of the empire's economy.
- The system of land revenue was organized through Zamindars, who acted as intermediaries between the state and the farmers.
Taxation System
- The Mughal rulers implemented a sophisticated taxation system, which included various taxes on agricultural produce.
- Taxes were often categorized based on the type of crops and the fertility of the land.
- The most common tax was Zakat, a religious tax on wealth, alongside others like Kharaj, which was a land revenue tax.
Trade and Commerce
- Besides agriculture, trade also contributed to the Mughal income. The empire engaged in extensive trade with regions like Persia, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
- Luxury goods such as silk, spices, and precious stones were significant export items.
- Market taxes and customs duties on trade further supplemented the royal treasury.
Other Sources
- Mughal rulers also gained income from war plunder, which enriched the empire during military campaigns.
- Additionally, the empire taxed industries such as textiles, crafts, and mining, which provided an alternative source of revenue.
In conclusion, the economic strength of the Mughal Empire was fundamentally based on agricultural revenue, supplemented by trade and other means, ensuring the prosperity of its rulers and the state.