The Institutes of Akbar 190.5

190.5

On account of the general peace and security in the empire, the grant-holders commenced to lay out their lands in gardens, and thereby derived so much profit, that it tempted the greediness of the Government officers, who had certain notions of how much was sufficient for Sayúrghál-holders, to demand revenue taxes; but this displeased His Majesty, who commanded that such profits should not be interfered with. Again, when it was found out that holders of one hundred bíg’hahs and even less were guilty of bribery, the order was given that Mír Çadr Jahán should bring these people before His Majesty; and afterwards it was determined that the Çadr with the concurrence of the writer of this work should either increase or decrease the grants. The rule now followed is this, that all Sayúrghál land should consist of one-half of tilled land, and of one-half of land capable of cultivation; if the latter half be not so [i. e., if the whole be tilled land], one-fourth of the whole should be taken away and a new grant be issued for the remainder. The revenue derived from each bíg’hah varies in the several districts, but is never less than one rupee. His Majesty, with the view of teaching wisdom and promoting true piety, pays much attention to this department, and appoints disinterested men as Çadrs of districts and Çadr of the realm.