Introduction to Todar Mal
Todar Mal was a prominent revenue officer during the reign of Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century. His contributions to the field of land revenue and administration were significant and laid the groundwork for future reforms in India.
Association with Sher Shah Suri
- Sher Shah Suri's Reign: Sher Shah Suri was the founder of the Suri Empire in North India and ruled from 1540 to 1545. He is well-known for his administrative reforms and military strategies.
- Todar Mal's Role: As the chief revenue officer, Todar Mal was instrumental in implementing a new system of land revenue assessment called the "Zabt" system. This system was based on the measurement of land and the assessment of its productivity, ensuring fair taxation.
Reforms Introduced by Todar Mal
- Revenue Assessment: Todar Mal introduced the concept of standardized measurement of land, which helped in calculating the revenue accurately. This was a significant improvement over the arbitrary methods that were used before.
- Land Records: He advocated for maintaining accurate land records, which helped in resolving disputes and ensured that farmers were taxed fairly.
- Fair Taxation: The reforms initiated by Todar Mal aimed at reducing the burden on farmers while increasing the efficiency of revenue collection for the state.
Legacy
- Influence on Future Administrations: Todar Mal’s principles of revenue management influenced later rulers, including the Mughal emperors, and are considered a precursor to modern land revenue systems in India.
- Recognition: His work is recognized as one of the cornerstones of effective governance in medieval India, showcasing his brilliance as a revenue officer under Sher Shah Suri.
In conclusion, Todar Mal's association with Sher Shah Suri and his innovative revenue reforms significantly impacted the administration of land revenue in India, making option 'D' the correct answer.