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Medieval Revenue Administration

Matching Medieval Land Systems: Iqta, Jagir, Amaram

The Iqta system belonged to the Delhi Sultanate, the Jagir system to the Mughals, Amaram was unique to Vijayanagara, and Mokasa was used by the Marathas. These were all methods of land-based revenue assignment.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII: Themes in Indian History - Part II

Archived:

Updated:

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer:
List-IList-II
A. Iqta1. Marathas
B. Jagir2. Delhi Sultans
C. Amaram3. Mughals
D. Mokasa4. Vijayanagar

[UPSC CSE Pre 2000]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Medieval Indian states used land grants instead of cash salaries to pay their military and administrative officials. While the core idea was similar, each empire had its own unique name and rules for these revenue assignments.

Authentic Source Evidence


  • Iqta: Introduced by the Delhi Sultans (like Iltutmish) to maintain officials and armies.

  • Jagir: The Mughal system where Mansabdars received non-hereditary revenue rights.

  • Amaram: Land grants given to the 'Nayakas' (military commanders) in the Vijayanagara Empire.

  • Mokasa: Revenue assignments used by the Marathas to pay their officers.

    • Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Matching the terms correctly shows the evolution of land-based bureaucracy across different centuries and regions.

  • Logic 2: Option B (A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1) is the only sequence that accurately aligns each term with its respective historical power.

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What was the common feature of these four systems?"

    All four systems involved giving officials the right to collect tax from a specific area of land as a substitute for a monthly cash salary.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The similarity between these systems shows a shared administrative heritage across different dynasties in India."

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