Question

According to Akbar’s land classification, which of the following categories referred to land left uncultivated for more than five years ?

• A. Polaj
• B. Chachar
• C. Parauti
• D. Banjar

Hint:

• Polaj was the best quality land and paid the highest revenue.
• This scientific land revenue system was primarily designed by Raja Todar Mal.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:

• Under the Mughal administration, particularly during Akbar's reign, the land revenue system (Zabt) required a systematic classification of land based on its productivity.
• This classification was used to determine the tax (revenue) to be paid by the cultivators.
• The classification was mentioned in detail in the *Ain-i-Akbari*.

Step 1: Categorizing land based on cultivation frequency
The Mughal state divided land into four categories: 1. Polaj: Land which is annually cultivated for each crop in succession and is never allowed to lie fallow. 2. Parauti: Land left out of cultivation for a time (1-2 years) that it may recover its strength. 3. Chachar: Land that has lain fallow for three or four years. 4. Banjar: Land uncultivated for five years and more.

Step 2: Identifying the specific category
The question asks for the category that was left uncultivated for more than five years. Based on the administrative definitions provided by Abu'l Fazl, this category is 'Banjar'. Banjar land was often brought under cultivation through state-provided incentives like tax tax-free periods or lower rates to encourage agricultural expansion.