In Mughal India, there was a class of people in the countryside that lived off agriculture but did not participate directly in the processes of agricultural production. Identify this class.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Zamindars
Option (1) Khud-kashta — Incorrect. Khud-kashta were resident peasants who cultivated land in their own village. They took part directly in production, so they do not fit.
Option (2) Pahi-kashta — Incorrect. Pahi-kashta were non-resident cultivators who tilled land in other villages. They too worked the land themselves.
Option (3) Muqaddams — Incorrect. Muqaddams were village headmen who led the village panchayat. They came from the peasant body of the village and shared in its farming life.
Option (4) Zamindars — Correct. The zamindars were landed proprietors who lived off agriculture but did not take part directly in production. Their higher status came from caste and from services (khidmat) for the state.
NCERT (2026-27): “5. The Zamindars |