With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar? 1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection. 2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
UPSC CSE Pre. 2019
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: Neither 1 nor 2
Option d is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect. The zamindars were hereditary owners of their lands who enjoyed certain privileges on hereditary basis, and were variously known as rais, rajas,
thakurs, khuts or deshmukhs. They occupied an important place in the empire because they helped in the collection of revenue and in local administration, for which they maintained soldiers. The jagirdar system was introduced by the Delhi Sultanate and continued during the Mughal Empire. In the Mughal times, the jagirdar collected taxes for which they were paid salary.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The zamindars were hereditary owners of their lands. Land assignments to Jagirdars were not hereditary.