Class 12 History - Chapter 8: Peasants, Zamindars and the State – Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (16th–17th Century)
Understand Mughal agrarian society in Class 12 History Chapter 8. Explore peasants, zamindars, revenue systems, and the Mughal state’s rural administration.
Overview
This chapter explores the agrarian structure of Mughal India in the 16th and 17th centuries. It examines the lives of peasants, the role of zamindars, land revenue systems, and how the Mughal state interacted with rural society.
Why This Chapter Matters
Understanding agrarian society reveals how economic and social relations shaped the Mughal Empire’s strength. It also highlights the complexity of rural life beyond just kings and conquests.
Real-Life Applications
- Understanding the Mansabdari and Zamindari systems.
- Analyzing how agriculture, irrigation, and crop patterns supported the Mughal economy.
- Exploring revenue records like Ain-i-Akbari as historical sources.
Skills You Will Learn
- Interpreting textual sources like Ain-i-Akbari and revenue manuals.
- Understanding landholding, taxation, and rural power structures.
- Evaluating how states managed large and diverse agrarian societies.
Explore and Test Your Knowledge
Practice Test
Test your knowledge with our practice test.
Scheduled Talent Test
Participate in the weekly talent test for this chapter.
Flashcards
Q: What was the role of zamindars under the Mughal Empire?
A: Zamindars collected revenue, maintained law and order, and acted as intermediaries between the peasants and the state.
A: Zamindars collected revenue, maintained law and order, and acted as intermediaries between the peasants and the state.
Q: What is the Ain-i-Akbari?
A: Ain-i-Akbari is a part of the Akbarnama written by Abul Fazl, documenting Mughal administration, revenue, and society.
A: Ain-i-Akbari is a part of the Akbarnama written by Abul Fazl, documenting Mughal administration, revenue, and society.
Q: What was the significance of agriculture for the Mughal economy?
A: Agriculture formed the economic base of the empire, supporting its military, administration, and urban growth.
A: Agriculture formed the economic base of the empire, supporting its military, administration, and urban growth.
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