Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Mughal land revenue system reached its zenith under Emperor Akbar with the assistance of his finance minister, Raja Todar Mal.
To ensure a stable and fair taxation system, the empire needed to assess the productivity of the land accurately.
The {Ain-i-Akbari}, authored by Abu'l Fazl, provides a comprehensive classification of land based on the continuity of cultivation.
This classification was vital for the {Dahsala} system, where revenue was calculated based on the average yield of the past ten years.
The state categorized land into four distinct types: Polaj, Parauti, Chachar, and Banjar. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Each category had a specific meaning based on how frequently the soil was used and its inherent fertility:
1. Polaj: This was the highest grade of land in the empire.
It was land that was cultivated for every crop in succession without ever being left fallow.
Because it was "cultivated every year," it was the most productive and consequently subject to the highest revenue rates.
The state expected consistent output from Polaj land, making it the backbone of the Mughal agrarian economy.
Thus, A matches with II.
2. Parauti: This land was of high quality but required periodic rest to maintain its nutrient levels.
It was "land left uncultivated temporarily" so that the soil could recover its strength naturally.
By letting the land lie fallow for a season or a year, the farmers ensured that future yields remained high.
Revenue was charged on Parauti land only when it was actually under cultivation.
Thus, B matches with I.
3. Banjar: This term refers to land that was essentially barren or had not been cultivated for five years or more.
It was categorized as "uncultivable wasteland" or extremely marginal land.
The Mughal state encouraged the reclamation of Banjar land by offering low revenue rates or tax holidays to farmers who brought it under the plow.
However, in its primary state, it yielded nothing for the treasury.
Thus, C matches with III.
4. Chachar: Though not in the provided list, Chachar was land that had lain fallow for three to four years.
It sat between Parauti and Banjar in terms of productivity and rest periods. Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matching based on historical definitions is Polaj to II, Parauti to I, and Banjar to III.
This sequence is represented by Option (A).
