Q. Consider the following pairs of administrative terms under the Mughals:
TermMeaning/Description
1. IjarahThe state practice of granting revenue-free land to religious scholars and institutions.
2. KhalisaLand reserved for the Emperor, the revenue of which was managed directly by the central treasury officials. 3. PeshkashA fixed amount of tribute or tax paid by autonomous chieftains, often in the form of a gift or presentation.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Pair 1: Incorrect. Ijarah is the practice of revenue farming (selling the right to collect revenue to the highest bidder). The grant of revenue-free land for religious purposes was known as Sadr-us-Sudur or Madad-i-Ma’ash.
- Pair 2: Correct. Khalisa land was directly managed by imperial agents (Amil/Karori), providing the core income for the central administration and royal household.
- Pair 3: Correct. Peshkash was a term for a fixed annual tribute paid by vassal rulers or autonomous chiefs (e.g., in the Deccan) in recognition of Mughal suzerainty.
