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.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• In the Mughal system a jagir was a temporary, transferable assignment of land revenue given to a mansabdar in lieu of salary for military service, not for judicial or police duties; it was not hereditary and jagirs were rotated every few years.
• Zamindars were hereditary holders of superior rights over land who collected revenue and also had local military and policing obligations to maintain order and assist the State.
• Statement 1 is wrong on both counts (jagir was for military service; zamindars had other duties); statement 2 reverses reality — jagirs were non-hereditary while zamindari rights were hereditary.
• Hence neither 1 nor 2, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: jagirs were for military service and zamindars had wider duties.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: jagirs were non-hereditary; zamindari was hereditary.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Both statements are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.