Which of the following factor accounted for the elevated status of zamindars in rural society in medieval India?

Both options 1 and 2.

The story of agrarian relations in Mughal India is incomplete without referring to a class of people in the countryside that lived off agriculture but did not participate directly in the processes of agricultural production. These were the zamindars who were landed proprietors who also enjoyed certain social and economic privileges by virtue of their superior status in rural society. 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 following were the options:

Option 1- Their Caste.

Option 2- Certain services that they performed for the state.

Option 3- Both options 1 and 2.

(Thus, option 3 is the correct answer).