A historian compares the caste composition of zamindars across the subas of Akbar's empire using the Ain-i Akbari. For which regions does the Ain not give this information?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Bengal and Orissa
Option (1) Bengal and Orissa — Correct. The Ain's data were <strong>not collected uniformly</strong> from all provinces. Details of the caste of zamindars, compiled for many subas, are <strong>not available for Bengal and Orissa</strong>.
Option (2) Gujarat and Malwa — Incorrect. Gujarat and Malwa were western subas of the empire. The gap in caste data on zamindars is noted for the eastern provinces.
Option (3) Bihar and Awadh — Incorrect. Bihar and Awadh were subas of the Gangetic plain. The missing caste data concern Bengal and Orissa, further east.
Option (4) Lahore and Multan — Incorrect. Lahore and Multan were north-western subas. The gap in caste data on zamindars is recorded for Bengal and Orissa in the east.
NCERT (2026-27): “8. The Ain-i Akbari of Abu’l Fazl Allami … |