Why did peasants support an exploitative Zamindar?

Peasants often viewed the central Mughal tax collectors as a greater threat than their local Zamindar, who at least shared their cultural and kinship ties.

Socio-Economic Dynamics of Mughals

UPSC Archival Analysis

Q: Statements about Zamindars: Statement I: Zamindars were an exploitative class. Statement II: They often had peasant support during agrarian uprisings.

Zamindars were both an exploitative revenue-collecting class and local leaders who led peasant rebellions against the Mughal state. Their shared regional ties often earned them the loyalty of the peasantry during uprisings.

Exam Year

2016

Evidence Source

Link

ID: MED_MUG_2016_138 Ref: Irfan Habib, Agrarian System of Mughal India

Statements about Zamindars:Statement I: Zamindars were an exploitative class.Statement II: They often had peasant support during agrarian uprisings.

Statements about Zamindars:
Statement I: Zamindars were an exploitative class.
Statement II: They often had peasant support during agrarian uprisings.