Ain-i-Dahsala system as discussed by Harsh
Abu’l Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar or simply, Akbar the Great, was one of the greatest rulers in the history of India. He was the greatest ruler of Mughal dynasty. Although Akbar was illiterate but he highly successful as a ruler and as an administrator as well. He ascended the throne of Mughal Empire in c. 1556 when Humayun died suddenly as he fell from the top floor of his library.
It was Akbar who provided a strong foundation to Mughal Empire and because of that Empire survived until c. 1857. The system of Ain-i-Dahsala (land revenue system of Akbar) was one of such experiments of Akbar which strengthened the foundations of Mughals. This system was introduced by Akbar in c. 1579 – c. 1580 AD, initially introduced on Khalisa land and extended to Jagir lands in c. 1582.
Also Read : Land Revenue System of Delhi Sultanate
Land Revenue System of Sher Shah Suri
Religious Policy of Emperor Akbar
Main Features of Ain-i-Dahsala
The Dahsala system of Akbar was scientific and rational in nature as it was based on the cultivation frequency of land and fertility of soil. According to frequency of land, lands were divided into number of categories; Polaj, Paratui, Chhchar and Banjar. Polaj was a type of land which was cultivated every year, Paratui which left for 1-2 years after cultivation, Chhchar which left fallow for 3-4 years after one crop and Banjar was the type of land which left uncultivated for more than five years.
These categories were further divided into bad, middle and good land categories as per their fertility of soil. In the Dahsala system 10 yearly data was used for removing the problem of yearly fluctuation of prices. Local price list was prepared by using average of 10 years and the assessment was made simplified which help in strengthen the belief of peasants in system.
To bring more land under cultivation many concessions given and rate of plough was applied only after five years. The concept of Nabud was introduced by him under which peasants were allowed to left 12.5% of their land without cultivation. The rates of land revenue were as per regions like in Kashmir it was 1/2th of production, in Multan it was 1/4th and 1/3rd was the normal rate.
Peasants were not forced to follow this system as they were free to choose any system they desire. Batai, Nasaq (whatever peasants paying in past), Kankut (land measured by chains or footsteps) and Muqtai (under this a lump sum to be paid by entire village) were also there.
But after the death of Akbar number of changes were brought in this system. Shah Jahan increased the land revenue system to 50 % of produce. Later, during the reign of Aurangzeb, the system of Ain-i-Dahsala was abolished and the system of Izaradari was introduced which is basically a type of revenue farming.
Positives and Negative Aspects of Ain-i-Dahsala
This system of Akbar brings number of benefits to state as it eased the task of assessment of land revenue. Peasants were free to pay revenue in any type which one they desire. The balance was maintained between need of states and interest of peasantry, they were both benefitted. It encouraged peasants to bring more land under cultivation. The role of intermediaries was minimized by state. This system gave boost to cash economy and in long term brings stability to Mughal empire.
This system also impacted empire negatively as the changes made by Shah Jahan increased burden on peasants. The Izaradari system introduced by Aurangzeb made intermediaries so powerful that they can collect as much as revenue they wanted. Thus, the exploitation of peasants was the main reason behind the revolts of Jats and Satnamis.
Thus, the system of Ain-i-Dahsala bring number of positive and negative changes in the Mughal empire.