Features of the Jagirdari system.
Before the coming of the Arabians the Indian rulers had developed a system of rural administration. Infact, the entire territory was having rural structure. Though the king was the supreme land owner but the entire land of the country landlords were subordinate to the kings and maintained a high status.
But with the advent of the Muslims and Mughals the System of land holding came under a remarkable itching. But there were certain Mughal rulers who maintained the dignity and status of the landlords. Rulers like Allauddin Khilji and Md. Bin Tughlaq etc. destroyed the structure of Jagirdari system. The land of the big Jagirdars were forcibly occupied by the Mughal soldiers and the land was distributed among the Muslim subjects. Thus during the Mughal rule the Jagirdari system came under a great change.
Divergent views have been expressed by scholars regarding ownership over land and the classes existing in the society during the Mughal period. In fact, Akbar introduced Mansabdari system which replaced the existing Jagirdari system. It was introduced with a view to effect improvement in the military and civil services. Thus this system put an end to the practice of assigning jagirs to the nobles which resulted in great financial loss to the state.
Features of Jagirdari system:- Introduction of Jagirdari system was done with a view to assist the king in the time of war or any such situation when the king felt for the urgent service of the jagirdars. Vast stretch of land was given to the jagirdars by the kings and they were free to use the land in their own way. However, the jagirdars used to pay some tribute to the king because they were under the king. On the otherwise the Jagirdari were free from the control of the king and enjoyed full liberty in governing over the people living his jagirs. The Jagirdars were collecting taxes from the people and led luxuries life. Besides, they were not taking proper case of the tenants of farmers who were tilling or working in their land. The Major share of production was going to the Jagirdars. It was not possible for the downtrodden and exploited farmers to appeal to the king. People were living at the Mercy of the Jagirdars. Taxation was oppressive and jagirdars strong men showed no mercy in collecting the revenue or taxes.
In fact, the classes of people under Jagirdari system were many but the mughal rulers brought certain alterations. On the basis of the land holding and the taxes charged the people of village were classified in numerous classes. The tax paying classes were themselves divided into three categories. In conclusion, it can be said the Jagirdars were a class of people who were land owner. They were aristocratic people and were called Jagirdars. Under Jagirdari system farmers. Labourers, peasants and downtrodden people suffered a lot and led miserable life. In addition to it, the advent of the Mughals and British worsened the situation of the farmers and cultivators.
