UPSC Prelims 2019 · Question 51 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2019 question on Jagirdar vs Zamindar
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2019
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectMedieval History
- TopicMughal Period
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar?
1. Jagirdars were holders or 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 or Zamindars were not hereditary.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Answer: D. Neither 1 nor 2
Verdict
Neither statement is correct → Option (d).
Statement by statement
Statement 1 – INCORRECT: Jagirdars were those mansabdars who were given salary in lieu of military service in terms of jagirs (land). The judicial and police functions were performed locally by zamindars — not by jagirdars as stated. Hence Statement 1 is not correct.
Statement 2 – INCORRECT: An important feature of the jagir system was shifting of jagir-holders from one jagir to another for administrative reasons. This system of transfers checked the jagirdars from developing local roots. Thus jagirs were transferable and could be seized too — they were NOT hereditary. Zamindars on the other hand were hereditary. Hence Statement 2 is also not correct.