Todar Mal's Revenue System

Todar Mal, also known as Diwan Todar Mal, was a prominent revenue administrator during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the Mughal Empire. He played a significant role in implementing and reforming the revenue system, which aimed to increase the state's revenue and ensure efficient collection.

1. Background:

During Akbar's reign, the Mughal Empire faced several challenges in revenue administration. The system in place before Todar Mal was complex, inefficient, and often subject to corruption. Recognizing the need for reform, Akbar entrusted Todar Mal with the task of devising a more effective revenue system.

2. Zabt and Zabti:

Todar Mal introduced the concept of zabt, which aimed to fix the land revenue based on the quality of the land and its produce. This system replaced the earlier practice of collecting revenue based on sharecropping. Zabt was implemented through a process called zabti, which involved a detailed survey of the land, assessment of its productivity, and determination of the appropriate revenue.

3. Measurement and Assessment:

To accurately assess the land's productivity, Todar Mal introduced the practice of measuring land using a standardized unit called bigha. This measurement facilitated a fair and consistent assessment of revenue across different regions. The revenue was calculated based on the expected yield of the land, taking into account factors such as soil fertility, irrigation facilities, and the type of crops grown.

4. Revenue Collection:

Todar Mal devised a well-structured revenue collection system that emphasized transparency and accountability. He appointed revenue officials known as amils, who were responsible for collecting revenue from their respective districts. The amils had to maintain detailed records of revenue collection, which were regularly audited by higher authorities.

5. Land Ownership and Revenue Sharing:

Under Todar Mal's system, land ownership was recognized and respected. The revenue was collected from the landowners, who were expected to pay a fixed share of their produce as revenue. The revenue share varied depending on the quality of the land, with more fertile lands paying a higher share. This ensured that the burden of revenue collection was distributed fairly among landowners.

6. Impact and Legacy:

Todar Mal's revenue system brought about significant improvements in revenue administration. It increased the state's revenue, reduced corruption, and provided a fair and transparent mechanism for revenue collection. This system laid the foundation for future revenue administration in the Mughal Empire and influenced revenue systems in subsequent Indian administrations.

In conclusion, Todar Mal's revenue system, with its emphasis on measurement, assessment, and transparent collection, brought about a revolution in revenue administration during the Mughal Empire. His reforms played a vital role in ensuring an efficient and equitable revenue system that lasted long after his time.

Raja Todar Mal, a Khatri Rajput had served his youth under the administration of Sher Shah Suri and had gained priceless experience in management of Land and revenues. He assisted Akbar’s chancellor of exchequer Muzafar Khan first and then took part in suppression of Ali Kuli in 1566.He became the finance officer (Mushrif-i-Diwan) of Akbar in 1575 and Diwan-i-kul (Chief Finance Minister) in 1582 and introduced the reforms also known as Todar Mal’s rentroll, the book of land records in Mughal Empire. He died in 1587.