In Mughal India, the zamindars held extensive personal lands. The term used for these lands was _____.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Milkiyat
Option (1) Qilachas — Incorrect. Qilachas were the fortresses that most zamindars had, along with an armed contingent; they were a source of military power, not personal lands.
Option (2) Khidmat — Incorrect. Khidmat means the services that zamindars performed for the state, one reason for their elevated status.
Option (3) Milkiyat — Correct. The zamindars held extensive personal lands termed milkiyat, meaning property. These lands were cultivated for their private use, and they could sell, bequeath or mortgage them at will.
Option (4) Diwan — Incorrect. The diwan was an official: his office (daftar) was responsible for supervising the fiscal system of the empire.
NCERT (2026-27): “5. The Zamindars … Caste was one factor that accounted for the elevated status of zamindars; another factor was that they performed certain services (khidmat) for the state. The zamindars held extensive personal lands termed milkiyat, meaning property. Milkiyat lands were cultivated for the private use of zamindars, often with the help of hired or servile labour. The zamindars could sell, bequeath or mortgage these lands at will.… 5. The Zamindars … Control over military resources was another source of power. Most zamindars had fortresses (qilachas) as well as an armed contingent comprising units of cavalry, artillery and infantry.…” |