Deccan Land Revenue under Akbar: Number of Plows

Concept

While Akbar’s standardized 'Zabt' system (based on area measurement) was the norm in North India, local traditions in newly conquered territories like the Deccan often necessitated different methods of assessment.

Authentic Source Evidence

In the Deccan, during Akbar's reign, the prevailing basis of land revenue was the Number of Plows. This was a simpler, older method of assessment where the state’s share was calculated based on the number of plows a farmer used, representing his cultivation capacity, rather than a scientific measurement of every bigha.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: In the North, Akbar introduced the Dahsala/Zabt system (measurement-based). However, in the Deccan, this transition was slower and relied on the 'Plow' count initially.

Logic 2: Other systems like Kankut (estimate based on standing crop) and Gallabakshi (crop sharing) were used elsewhere but the specific characteristic of Deccan assessment under Akbar was this plow-based calculation.