Question

Which of the following is a major source to understand agrarian history of 16\textsuperscript{th and 17\textsuperscript{th} century India?}

• A. Revenue records of Agra \& Delhi
• B. Relationship between peasants and zamindars
• C. Important chronicle – the Ain-e-Akbari
• D. Types of agricultural crops grown at that time

Hint:

For Mughal-era questions on agriculture or administration, the Ain-e-Akbari is a key historical source—always link it with Abul Fazl and Akbar’s reign.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The Ain-e-Akbari, authored by Abul Fazl, is a pivotal primary source for analyzing the agrarian history of the Mughal Empire, especially during Akbar's reign in the late 16th century. It is an integral component of the extensive Akbarnama.
This compilation offers meticulous statistical and administrative data concerning the empire's economy. This includes information on land revenue frameworks, agricultural output, land categorization, crop varieties, commodity prices, and details pertaining to peasants and zamindars.
Although options (A), (B), and (D) touch upon agrarian history, their scope is broader. The Ain-e-Akbari, however, systematically consolidates these elements, establishing it as the most exhaustive primary resource on the topic.
Therefore, Option (C) represents the accurate selection.